2001-2002 Past Governor Van A. Kempin died at his home on March 18 from a heart attack.  He was 73.  He and his wife Donna have four children and 10 grandchildren.  A member of the Kiwanis Club of Leawood, Van enjoyed community service and leadership.  He served the Kansas District as Treasurer in 1994-95 and Secretary-Treasurer from 1995 to 1998.  His work earned Kansas the District Administrative Excellence Award in 1997-98. He also served as Kiwanian Editor and was a Past Lt. Governor of Division IX.  He was a Distinguished President for the Old Mission Club in 1992-93.

Van earned his B.A. at Baker University and his M.B.A. at the University of Kansas.  After selling a printing company in Lawrence, he was director of the business office of the University of Kansas Medical Center Hospital.  He retired as Director of Internal Audit for the Saint Lukee’s Health System in Kansas City, Missouri.

When he wasn’t serving the District or his clubs, Van enjoyed oil painting and sports; especially watching KU basketball.  Van and his wife Donna also loved to travel.  They were married 49 years.  He was also very active in his church, the Old Mission United Methodist Church.  Donations may be made to the Kiwanis International Foundation.

Past Governor Guy Hayes from McPherson passed away on March 26.  He was 94 and a very special long-time Kiwanian that meant a lot to many of us.   He served as Governor for 1978-1979.  He was a charter member of the Kiwanis Club of McPherson where he had 58 years of perfect attendance.  He was a club president, a Past Lt. Governor for Division V and a recipient of the George F. Hixson Award.   He served in the Navy for two years during World War II.  He was employed at McPherson College from 1950 to 1970 and received the Citation of Merit from the college in 1994. 

He had served as the head of the Rural Life Department, Professor of Speech and Debate, and Director of Admissions.  He was also an Assistant Football Coach and was inducted into the McPherson College Athletic Hall of Fame.  He also worked for Morris and Son Clothiers for 32 years and served on the YMCA Board of Directors for 26 years.  He is survived by his wife Lois; son Dr Larry Hayes, San Jose CA; daughter Gail Roe, Houston TX; and seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.  He and Lois were married for 75 years.  He was a member of the McPherson Church of the Brethren where he sang in the choir for 45 years.  The services were held at the Church of the Brethren.