Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
JOHN KEMP Obituary
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for JOHN KEMP
September, 2008, Greece, doing what he loved
Jack Kemp
September 8, 2014
March, 2008 @ The Tides
Jack Kemp
September 8, 2014
John Goodpasture
September 17, 2013
When I was young and naive and looking for a job, Jack took me under his wing. He showed me that private practice was WAY better than the Ivory Tower. My recruitment interview consisted of sitting on the balcony of the green barn where he lived and drinking generic beer while watching the sun go down behind the Olympics. I was hooked on the Jack Kemp way of life. Indeed, the world is a better place because of Jack.
Pete Steinhauer
September 2, 2013
I had the honor of serving with Jack in DaNang 46 years ago with the Marines. What a talented and professional gas man he was. So many middle-aged and elderly Marines are alive today because of his extraordinary talent in the operating room. Jack was always the first to volunteer his time to help with the cleft lip and cleft palate cases that I did on these little Vietnamese children when we had a break from casualty care. His compassion with these beautiful kids helped change their lives forever. Many may not know that Jack was talented in other ways also. Every Sunday he played the very small government issued church organ for Protestant and Catholic services in our thatched roof chapel at Charlie Med. Jack always had a great sense of humor and made everyone laugh whether it was in the chow hall, having a brew in the officers club tent, in the O.R. or when we were sitting next to each other in the Four-Holer. When he returned from Vietnam, he stayed a couple of days with us in Colorado on his way back east to relive old war stories. We always corresponded at Chistmas as he did with so many others.
So, Jack, we will miss you old friend.
Semper Fi and Anchors Aweigh!
Pete Steinhauer
Colette Golightly
September 2, 2013
This is a photo of John from one of our last high school reunions and he was also a speaker at the dinner. It was a great weekend of sailing, good food and some drinking and telling of old high school stories. I knew John since we were infants since our parents were friends and also sat next to him in the band. He will be sorely missed at the 75th birthday party in Michigan City this October. I'm sure he's around in spirit.
Norm Graesser
September 1, 2013
Met Jack far from home, but his memory stayed ever close; it was a great pleasure to have known him.
Kathy Dore
August 31, 2013
"Hi Jack, I thank you for the great friendship you shared with my brother Tony. You were his rock, his role model and most of all the father-figure he needed. It was a pleasure to have met you. May you Rest In Peace knowing that you imprinted on a soul that was in need of healing. Thank you again, from the bottom of my heart"
Kathy (Kiwi-Tony Sister)
Lita James
August 31, 2013
Kathy, Jenny and Allyson,
It has taken me quite a while to absorb the shock of the loss of your Dad. You know that your Mom & Dad and Charlie & I were friends from Medical School. What wonderful times we shared with two wonderful folks. Your Dad always stopped to visit us whenever he was back in Indiana and it was always such a delight to see him. We could always count on "having fun" when he was around. From Dinglers to our sailing trip up in the San Juan Islands, to the Indy 500 races, to just enjoying libations and good food wherever we were. Your Dad even called me this Spring after Charlie passed away in November to ask me if I wanted to attend their 50th medical school class reunion. When I asked if he was coming out he replied he wasn't but that if I wanted to go he would come out to escort me, but my wound was still too raw. But I so much appreciated the gesture. He was always thoughtful to me and we shared many, many long conversations about love and life in general. He and Charlie were complete opposites but they shared rare personalities that abounded with humor, conservatism, skepticism, intense dedication to work ethic and love of family and life. Jack always pushed closer to the edge than we did but he definitely was one of the loves in my life. Always said I would never have wanted to be married to the man but loved the time I spent with him. He must have had nicknames for everyone and mine was Liter. He will be greatly missed as he was indeed a unique, one-of-a-kind soul who brightened, and perhaps darkened a few, lives. You all will remain in my thoughts and prayers and I wish I could attend his service but other commitments prevent me from doing so. With deepest sympathy to all of you.
Sharon Hanson (Walker)
August 29, 2013
I have many memories of working with Dr. Kemp in the OR at St.Clare. Just cannot find the words to express shock at the news of his passing. We will miss him.
Elston Senior High School Class of 1956 Michigan City, In.
John Kemp
August 28, 2013
August 24, 2013
I knew John for the first 18 years of his life. Our parents were great friends, Our mothers remained friends into their 90"s. We played in the grade school, Jr High and HighSchool bands together. We will miss him always. Betsy Weber Stewart.
mbstew38@ahoo. com. I want to tell Barbara and Rob, how sorry I am.
Cordell Bahn
August 22, 2013
My very first case in Tacoma was a pacemaker and Jack was our anesthesiologist. It took an hour and a half, made memorable with helpful comments from the head of the table. From then on I grew to really enjoy working with Jack. He was a fine colleague and a pleasure to work with.
Beverley
August 21, 2013
Jack was a great joy in my life and the lives of many. I am sad for his wonderful daughters and family...he was well loved and will be missed.
August 18, 2013
Debra and I were shocked and saddened to learn about Jack's death. Norman Pollock, Jack & I were in Viet Nam assigned to the 1st Medical Battalion. Jack nicknamed me "Bandito" ...never knew way...and continued to use that name with every Christmas card. He was a great friend and fun to be around. We went to the Philippines on R&R..had a ball.. and I wondered if he'd get back to Viet Nam alive! Jack knew how to enjoy life. Debra and I will miss him. Dom Pasquale, Bloomfield, CT
Jack sailing with the James family & Eric Lausch.
Lita James
August 17, 2013
The entire gang including Jack at the Indy 500.
Lita James
August 17, 2013
Jack & Diana @ Charlie & Lita James home.
Lita James
August 17, 2013
Jack with Charlie James @ the Indy 500.
Lita James
August 17, 2013
August 17, 2013
How saddened we were to learn of our dear friend's passing. Norman and I were totally in love with Jack. He and Norman shared many memories especially during their Vietnam tour. Never to be forgotten, rest in peace you little devil. Bobbi and norman pollock and family
August 16, 2013
I worked with Dr Kemp for several years at Lakewood General; he was always fun to be around and could make the worst cases pleasant. vernetta McCraw
August 15, 2013
Our annual ASA conventions will never be the same. It was always good laughs when we saw one another. Jack, you will surely be missed.
-Kiyoaky Hori/ Patty Palms
Paul Thackara
August 15, 2013
I've had the pleasure to know and work with Nasty since 1979. We hiked, camped, played poker and my sympathies go out to his family for the loss of this thoroughly original, authentic and cantakerous man. He will be missed beyond measure.
Jonathan Gutman
August 15, 2013
l met John (never called him Jack - just ornery I guess) when we were freshmen in college. Although anyone who has led a meaningful life grows and changes over time, his essential nature was evident then. He knew who he was and the kind of person he wanted to be. Although we did not see each other often, we kept in touch. He was a good friend and I will miss him.
James McColley
August 14, 2013
Jack lived a life larger than most, had opinions without fear, worked at what he valued like a maniac, honored friends he trusted, and always set his own course. Woe to a play that failed to meet his standards, for there would be no second act. Music was a joy that he loved to share with friends. Jack's world was his alone and the world itself was a better place because of Jack.
Joni Kadow
August 14, 2013
So sorry to hear about Jack's passing.
I worked with him for many years at Lakewood General. He was a good friend as well. Have so many fond memeoies of Jack and all the old gang in surgery. He was loved my many.
Joni Arnold- Kadow
Dee O'Neill
August 14, 2013
Jack, I knew him mostly as John, was one of my husband, Dan's best friends. They were college roommates and grew up together as kids in Michigan City, Indiana. We spent many wonderful times together with he and Sabin when he was in med school and "we" were in the military service in Indiana. He would get c-ration type tuna fish for sandwiches and it truly looked like cat food. Frugal was his middle name. When he would buy steak, it would be a chuck steak which he would marinade until it was mush and then cook it on the grill for all of us for dinner. I especially remember going to a small lake called Dingler's where we would bring a block of ice for the icebox and spend the night or two. One time John disappeared during the evening and didn't come back for some time. It worried us but knowing how much of an outdoorsman he was we just waited. He had gone swimming in the lake and returned sometime later. He always called Dan - "Room" and gave me the nickname "Racket" I guess because my maiden name was Tackett. It is too much of a coincidence that he is gone from this plane because I lost Dan on March 9th and while Dan was in hospice I had conversations with John/Jack about whether to move Dan home or leave him in the hospice. It was only a few days after my talk with him that Dan passed away. Can't believe the 2 of them both gone in less than 5 months of each other. He was a cantankerous old guy but he was lovable in spite of himself. His irrepressible spirit will be sorely missed. My love, thoughts and prayers are with you, Kathy, Jenny, Michael and Allyson and all your families as you go through a very sad time in your life - the loss of your father. There was no one like him.
Kathy (Miskovsky) Callahan
August 14, 2013
I found Jack to be intelligent, stubborn and a bit of a rebel. He also had a heart of gold and worked diligently on whatever project at hand. For many years I was part of a couple who took in dinner and the opera with Jack and his lady. On those evenings I saw that Jack was truly a gentleman, treating his lady like a lady. He was a tough parent, but he dearly loved his children, wanting only the best for them. I have many fond memories of this man. He was not always "Nasty Jack."
God's speed old friend.
Paula Swanson
August 14, 2013
I worked with Dr. Kemp during the late 1970's in the operating room at St. Joseph Medical Center. He was always a pleasure to work with, his patients received great care, and I loved his sense of humor. Prayers for his family.
Thomas Bageant
August 14, 2013
As a fellow anesthesiologist, I thoroughly enjoyed Jack's work, humor, and friendship. He will be remembered and missed.
Jan
August 14, 2013
The world lost a wonderful man & I lost a friend. My prayers are with all of you.
Jeanne Brown Unruh
August 14, 2013
I worked for many years with Dr. Kemp and always enjoyed his wonderful sense of humor and loyalty. I've been in contact over the last few years and will truly miss this wonderful man.
Showing 1 - 32 of 32 results
Make a Donation
in JOHN KEMP's name
Memorial Events
for JOHN KEMP
How to support JOHN's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor JOHN KEMP's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
