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Kenneth Piest Obituary
Dr. Kenneth L. Piest, 53, passed away on Friday, Oct. 5, 2007, in San Antonio. He was born Jan. 17, 1954. Ken was raised in Des Plaines, IL, and attended Maine West High School. He graduated from the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Chicago in 1984 and completed his internship in Chicago and his ophthalmology residency here in San Antonio. To achieve the highest level of expertise, Dr. Piest completed three additional years of formal Fellowship training in ophthalmic pathology and oncology at the University of Utah, ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgery at the Scheie Eye Institute and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, craniofacial and pediatric ophthalmology at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and the Center for Human Appearance at the University of Pennsylvania. Besides these programs, Dr. Piest has completed additional training in molecular and clinical genetics. He returned to San Antonio in 1991 and was on the full-time faculty at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio until starting his solo, private practice in 1995. In addition to his private practice, Dr. Piest was also ophthalmological consultant for the Neurofibromatosis Group (a disfiguring genetic disorder) and craniofacial clinics in San Antonio. Dr. Piest's varied volunteer work included acting as medical advisor for the Texas Neurofibromatosis Foundation. He was also director for ophthalmic care for F.A.C.E.S. (Facial Anomalies Clinic and Extended Services), a non-profit, multi-specialty organization devoted to assisting children with complex craniofacial disorders. Dr. Piest was a certified member of the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, the American Board of Ophthalmology, and a Diplomat of National Board of Medical Examiners. Dr. Piest was also the recipient of numerous awards and honors. Ken and his family and friends formed a non-profit foundation, "Ken Piest Bone Marrow Drives," and a website, www.saveken.org, to find bone marrow matches and to be placed on the National Bone Marrow Registry and Blood Drives to help all cancer patients. His legacy will continue through this foundation work. He is preceded in death by his father, Harold Piest; and a younger brother, Robert Piest. He is survived by his beloved cats, Leuke and Mia. He is also survived by his mother, Elizabeth Piest; a sister, Kerry Piest of Des Plaines, IL; his Texas Family, Jennifer Stahl, Shelby, Cristina and Minerva Stahl. Memorial Service Friday, Oct. 12, 2007, 7 p.m. at Porter Loring North Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Ken Piest Bone Marrow Drive, P.O. Box 2881, Des Plaines, IL 60017-2881. You are invited to sign the guestbook at www.porterloring.com Arrangements with Porter Loring Mortuary North, 2102 North Loop 1604 East, San Antonio, TX 78232, 210-495-8221.
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Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth Piest
Piper Montgomery
November 11, 2007
Dearest Elizabeth and Kerry,
You don't know Me, and We've never met. I'm a 21 yr. old College student in Kentucky. I wish that I could have known sooner what Ken was going through, as I gladly would have exhausted every resource to get there to donate. I just wanted to take this oppertunity to say that if it weren't for Robert, I would never have had the inspiration to pursue a career in Forensics and Criminal Justice. Please take comfort in the fact that Ken is no longer in pain and like Rob, will remain young and beautiful forever.
Yours,
Piper A. Montgomery
JO ELLEN YANKOV
October 18, 2007
I JUST FOUND OUT THAT DR. PIEST PASSED AWAY. I WAS SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT THIS AND MY SYMPATHY GOES OUT TO HIS FAMILY. DR. PIEST WAS SUCH A WONDERFUL PHYSICIAN. HE WILL BE MISSED BY SO MANY.
Cindy Gish
October 17, 2007
Our daughter has been a patient of Dr. Piest since she was diagnosed with cancer at 15 months. She is now 17 years. He not only provided the best medical care for Kelsey, but more importantly was there for all of us with his kindness and emotional support throughout these many years. He was deeply loved and will be greatly missed. Steve, Cindy and Kelsey Gish
Charles Garcia
October 16, 2007
I knew Ken from his days in the department of ophthalmology at UTHSCSA. I knew Ken to be a fun loving guy, a nice person, excellent teacher and presenter. He was always gracious to participate in conferences that I organized and I thank him for that. He was such an inspiration to watch present. Ken would stand tall next to the podium with changer in hand, sharply dressed and confident. He always had a well organized presentation with excellent photos and gave his usual award winning delivery. He was engaging and gracious with answering questions from the audience and was genuine in sharing his knowledge and experience. One of the programs favorite presenters.
I was saddened to hear of Ken's illness and passing and would hope he knows that I appreciated him.
May God comfort his family. Thank you Ken for all you did.
Charles Garcia
Katharine Collins
October 14, 2007
Dear Mrs Piest and Kerry,
I am a writer but I could not, at this moment now, or perhaps ever, find the right words to tell you how much shared grief I feel on your behalf. You and your family's loss and courage through that loss have touched more people than perhaps you can ever know. Even on the other side of the world, such as myself. I continue to be overwhelmed at the thought of the sorrow that has touched your lives - and then equally as inspired by your devotion, courage and sheer triumph of the human spirit in the face of such injustice and loss. I think there are not many people like you in this world. I wish I could take some of your pain and bear it for you - but I know that I cannot. What I can say is that I feel certain both Robert and now Kenneth are so proud to have such heroines as a mother and sister. You are champions in every aspect of that word. And while I am not part of your family I would like to make a promise to you that through a level of success I have just achieved in my chosen profession I will make it part of my journey through life to be a fighter in all the things that matter to you and your family - including Kerry's work on the bone marrow register. No one knows what you're going through. But I for one can speak for a great many people throughout the world who have been touched by you to tell you that we are heartbroken at your side, we care, and try to comprehend your pain although we know we never fully will. You are both heroines to me also and I will one day do something to show you all the ways you have touched my life.
Katharine
M.L. S.
October 13, 2007
Dear Piest Family,
I am so sorry for your loss, Ken was too young, as was his brother, Rob, whom I went to highschool with, at Maine West.
My sympathy to you and your family.
Sandy Demovsky
October 13, 2007
Dear Mrs. Piest and Kerry,
I could not let another day go by without telling you how many times over the past 36 years I have thought about you both. Kerry, you were a delightful 4th grader in my class at Orchard Place, and Mrs. Piest you were a wonderful room mother that year. I will always remember the lunches I had in your home and the baby shower you arranged for me. I wanted to contact you so many times in the past, but I never wanted to bother you. I can't tell you how sorry I was to hear about Ken's passing. He was a wonderful doctor from what I have read. I read about the important work he did to help so many people, especially children, and about the Foundation that you established. Your family has given so much over the years. I hope you can find solice in all that you and your family has done to help others. May God bless and keep you.
lina marouf
October 12, 2007
Ken was a good friend and colleague. He was loved and respected by his patients. He will be greatly missed by the community. However,he will not be forgotten. Our deepest regrets to the family.
Lina Marouf , Tim Cleland and family
Terry Soch Helwig
October 11, 2007
I am so sorry to hear of Ken's death. I graduated from Maine West with Ken. The alumni has kept our class informed through the whole process that he was going through. I know he is in a better place, resting at peace. I will keep Ken's family in my prayers. God will be at your side helping you cope.
Rena Turley Othick
October 11, 2007
Dear Family of Ken Piest, I send my deepest condolences for your loss of such a great person. I, too, knew your family through my Mom, Pauline (Peggy Turley) Semmerling. But I also was fortunate to have seen Ken at the very start of his medical career at Lutheran General Hospital. I was working as a nurse and he was there to learn. He greeted us all with a smile and an eagerness to take it all in. It makes me proud to have known him such a long time ago. I am so certain he touched thousands of lives. You must all have been so very proud. I am so sorry for your loss. Rena (Turley) Othick
Lynn Turley Lilja
October 11, 2007
Dear Liz and Kerry,
Though it has been a long time since we've seen each other, I remember all your family, especially Ken very fondly. You folks were good friends to us Turleys when we moved to Des Plaines. And I still remember Ken's opening line as our high school valedictorian (or was it salutatorian?) "Life is not a bowl of cherries!" That got a good laugh from us all. Such an engaging, nice friend Ken was! I could say I knew him when... I am thankful and proud to know him, Bubby, and all of you. You have been and will be in my prayers, Love,
John & Monica Suter
October 11, 2007
Our prayers and thoughts go out to the family of Dr. Piest. There is not enough time or words to describe what good he has done for society. He helped out our child when we were down on our luck and brought us hope. I once asked him how many children he had and he said he wasn't sure. He then said he did not have any of his own but all of his patients are treated and loved like they were his own. He will be missed dearly by all who knew him. We thank god for our time on earth with him. May he rest in peace!
Janet Hendricks
October 11, 2007
HOPI PRAYER of The Soul's Graduation:
Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there,
I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight
On the ripened grain.
I am the gentle Autumn's rain.
When you awaken in the morning hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry.
I am not there.
I did not die.
My Spirit is still alive…
Edward,Jasmine,Triston Gonzales
October 10, 2007
Dr.Piest was our son's angel.He gave our son a chance for a brighter future.His passion and surgical skills were truly a gift from god.Our family will always remember him especially my son when he's old enough to understand.
Bob Soch
October 10, 2007
Liz and Kerry
So sorry to hear of the passing of Ken.
My prayers are with you.
Bob Soch and Family
Eva Bates
October 10, 2007
My condolences to the Piest family. I grew up near Des Plaines and remember this family so well thru the tragedy of Robert's passing. I didn't know that Kenneth was here in San Antonio, and am saddened to hear of his passing. May he rest in peace and be in loving reunion with his brother Robert and father. God bless.
Norma Whitaker
October 10, 2007
Dr. Piest saved my grandson's life. Words cannot express how sorry I am to hear of his passing. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Nancy Chen
October 10, 2007
Dr. Piest was a great teacher. I still remember my first plastic procedure with him. He will be remembered by many residents that he trained.
Rose Liberio
October 9, 2007
To Kerry Piest and family,my heartfelt sympathy.Still remember those humogous hamburgers he made for us one summer day at your home. He was a remarkable human being.
Cindy Tudyk
October 9, 2007
I am so sorry to hear about your great loss. I was a patient of Dr. Piest in 1998 and the surgery he performed on me dramatically improved my quality of life. My deepest condolences to Dr. Piest family and friends.
Kathy Gruber
October 9, 2007
To Liz Piest,
I am so sorry to hear of your sons passing. Hope you still have my phone number or email me at [email protected]
Karen Henrikson
October 9, 2007
Ken was a great man who has touched many lives through his own life and passing. We feel honored to have known him and the Piest family. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. He will remain in our hearts forever.
Joseph Kozenczak
Karen and Natalie Henrikson
Dr. Joe Lis
October 9, 2007
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2007
Diana Realme
October 9, 2007
Dr. Piest was a great physician who will be truly missed. My sincerest condolences to his family.
Peter Speicher, MD
October 8, 2007
Ken was a great person and an excellent ophthalmologist. He will be my thoughts and prayers.
Drs. Mark & Sue Berry & family
October 8, 2007
We will miss Ken. He was a great physician, teacher, collegue and friend. He had such a kind way with his patients, especially children. We will be praying for you, Mrs. Piest and Kerry, through this time of loss.
Kathy Allwein
October 8, 2007
So sorry to hear of Dr. Piest's passing. May his family and friends find comfort during this difficult time. God Bless You All.
Rich and Julie Korenchuk
October 8, 2007
May Ken rest in peace.
You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
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