Dr. John W. Killip September 29, 1942 - March 16, 2026
“We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think. When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves.” — Buddha
John W. Killip, DDS, passed away peacefully in the home he loved, with the people he loved, in Kansas City, Missouri, on March 16, 2026, at the age of 83.
Born on September 29, 1942, in Flagstaff, Arizona, to Wilfred F. and Joyce A. Killip, John was a healer by profession and a maker by soul and lived his life the way he practiced both dentistry and woodworking — with steady hands, warmth of heart, and a deep belief that personal connection is the common thread.
John completed a Bachelor of Science from Northern Arizona University (Arizona State College) in 1964, where he was heavily involved in the Shrine of the Ages University Choir, eventually becoming President. His appreciation for the arts in his early years turned into a lifelong love of music, musicals, and theater productions.
He earned a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Missouri–Kansas City School of Dentistry in 1968. John proudly served as a Captain in the Army in Korea during the Vietnam War, where he provided dental care for fellow service members with skill and compassion. He continued his service for four years in the Army Reserve.
His steady hands and calm demeanor made him a natural in his profession, and he carried those qualities into a long and respected dental career. He cared for patients through his private dental practice for 15 years. He then devoted more than 25 years to the UMKC School of Dentistry, where he began as a clinical assistant professor in restorative dentistry and rose to serve as associate dean for student programs, retiring as clinical professor emeritus in 2012. The John Killip Student Leadership Award was created in his honor in 2009 and is presented yearly to an outstanding senior student leader.
He was heavily involved with the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) and the dental community. John held the following distinguished positions:
•Chair-elect, Council of Faculties (2001)
•ADEA William J. Gies Foundation Educational Fellow (2000–2001)
•Chair, Council of Faculties (2002)
•Delegate, Council of Faculties (2003–2004)
•Vice President for Faculties, ADEA Board of Directors (2005–2007)
•Member, ADEA Minority Affairs Advisory Committee (2006–2007, 2010–2012)
•Member, ADEA Gies Foundation Board of Trustees (2007–2011)
•Member, Journal of Dental Education Editorial Review Board (2008–2012)
•ADEA Distinguished Service Award recipient (2013)
•American College of Dentists Fellow (2005)
Additionally, John presented at several symposia at annual ADEA meetings and authored multiple publications through the association. To honor his contributions, the American Dental Education Association presented him with a Presidential Citation in 2009 and its Distinguished Service Award in 2013 — a recognition of the selfless dedication he brought to his students, colleagues, and institution he called a professional home. Over the years, he earned numerous professional honors and the trust of generations of students and patients who appreciated not only his expertise but also his humility and well-timed wit.
He taught his students that technical skill mattered, but relationships mattered more. He believed learning was a lifelong endeavor, and he lived that belief every day for more than 50 years, as a member of the Kansas City Dental Study Club, American Dental Association, Missouri Dental Association, American Dental Education Association, Greater Kansas City Dental Association, Missouri House of Delegates, American Association of Higher Education, and Omicron Kappa Epsilon.
Those who knew John best understood that his true artistry extended far beyond his profession. His talents were rooted in a familial foundation of woodworking passed down through at least three generations. In the quiet sanctuary of his workshop, surrounded by the scent of cut wood, the hum of tools, and the support of his right-hand man, Don, he created with intention and reverence.
Woodworking was not just a hobby — it was a reflection of his character. He saw potential where others saw rough edges, beauty where others saw raw material. With patience, imagination, and a joyful spirit, he transformed simple pieces of wood into lasting works containing visual narratives, including personal and social commentary, wooden toys and masks, benches, chairs, wall relief sculptures, and even a full-size working carousel.
John’s life took on a new dimension when he was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2007. Rather than retreat, he leaned forward for more than 18 years — learning, teaching, advocating, celebrating life, and sharing his journey so others might feel less alone. After undergoing two autologous stem cell transplants and years of immunotherapy, he approached illness the same way he approached craft: thoughtfully, courageously, and with determination to make meaning from challenge.
He became not just a survivor, but a guide for many navigating similar paths. John served in a variety of support roles, including speaking nationwide with the Multiple Myeloma Journey Partners Program, serving on the Community Advisory Board for the KU Cancer Center, mentoring with the Cleveland Clinic Fourth Angel Program, participating in KU’s PIVOT Education Taskforce, and leading the Kansas City Multiple Myeloma Support Group.
Additional community contributions included serving as a Board Member of Sherwood Autism Center in Kansas City, Missouri, and Bodhi Manda Zen Center in Jemez Springs, New Mexico. John was an avid participant in the Kansas City Renaissance Festival for more than 20 years, demonstrating his woodworking craft and playful character. He was also involved for many years with the Independence Japanese Sister City Program, traveling with the delegation multiple times and creating wooden gifts for Higashimurayama, Japan, to represent friendship between the two cities. In recent years, his passion for creating commemorative prayer altars was expressed through his participation with Mattie Rhodes Cultural Center.
John made his home in Kansas City, where he built a life alongside his wife of 54 years, Kathleen Didde Killip. Together, they created a family that was the center of his world and thoroughly enriched his life. He was most proud to be a father to Whitney Killip Ullrich (Klaus Ullrich), Brielle Killip (Christopher Geissinger), Wyeth Killip, and Keelia Killip (Andrew Willey), and a father figure to Paul West. His grandchildren, Charlotte and Henry, brought him immeasurable joy and no doubt benefited from both his craftsmanship and playful spirit.
He is also survived by his brother, Norm Killip (Val), with whom he shared a lifelong bond. He especially enjoyed returning to Arizona each winter to spend time with friends and family.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Wilfred and Joyce, and his infant daughter, Channing Elizabeth.
An alchemist of beauty, a wood quarryman, and a crafter of goodwill, John will be remembered for approaching life with care, curiosity, and a twinkle in his eye. We take comfort in knowing he is now one with the endless sunrises and sunsets that brought him peace. Though his tools now rest and his chair sits empty, the structures he built — in wood, in minds, and in hearts — remain strong. His story continues in every lesson remembered, every craft honored, and every life touched by his care.
How fortunate we are to live a creative life surrounded by like-minded.
A private celebration of life will be held in May.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:
WF Killip Elementary School – Killip PTO
2300 E. 6th Ave
Flagstaff, Arizona 86004
https://killip.fusd1.org/
or
John & Kathy Killip Scholarship at the UMKC School of Dentistry
Checks may be made payable to The Rinehart Foundation and mailed to:
650 E. 25th Street
Kansas City, MO 64108
https://dentistry.umkc.edu/rinehart-foundation/
