1951
Mr.
2014
Mr. Don Black
May 15, 1951 — August 7, 2014
Don Christopher Black, 63, of Prairie Village, Kansas died on August 7, 2014 peacefully at home, surrounded by family, listening to his beloved Rock Chalk Chant. Don was an original, and there will never be another like him. Our loss is heaven’s gain, as he had an impact on the lives of everyone he met.
Don was born in Kansas City, Missouri to Don and Marty Black. He attended Pembroke Hill, the University of Kansas, and the University of Minnesota. He was an active member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. Throughout his life, Don has been a proud alumnus and supporter of the PHS Raiders and the KU Jayhawks!
Don was a father, husband, mentor, friend, coach, and colleague —and always an optimist who allowed others to flourish. Known as a facilitator, collaborator, and constructive leader, Don was the founding CEO of Child Health Corporation of America, the nation’s largest alliance of leading children’s hospitals. Renowned for his strategic thinking and unstoppable energy, Don was honored to serve on the Board of Directors of several well-known non-profit organizations, and was the Executive in Residence at the University of Kansas Medical School Program in Health Policy and Management. He often shared his insights as a dynamic healthcare speaker for state and national associations.
For all his accomplishments, those who had the chance to spend time with Don, in any capacity, truly highlight the culture he created and the focus he maintained on working hard and playing harder! He loved jokes, tricks, and any zany, fun ideas he could make happen. Many a time, the curving smile of his upper lip would signify, that he was, indeed, the prankster in question. His laugh was as infectious as a school boy’s, loud and boisterous, and his bright blue eyes would twinkle with glee when he achieved a response or reaction that he hoped for in another. He always managed to channel his wonderful inner child, and that helped him keep his unrelenting optimism in any situation. Don put his family first and made their lives like a fairytale, and even described his own life as more wonderful than he ever could have imagined.
Don is survived by the love of his life, Lucie, his four beloved children, Mollie (Brian) Bechtold, Meghan, Donald, and Matthew Black, countless other family and friends, and the one who called him Pop-Pop and always made him smile, his grand-daughter, Lucie Jane.
A visitation will be held at the Johnson County Chapel, 11200 Metcalf Avenue on August 10, 2014 at 3:30 to 5:30 pm. True to his entertaining nature, Don vetoed a funeral, and instead hosted a Celebration of Life party in early July.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to be directed to the Neurology-Oncology program at the University of Kansas Hospital. Checks should be made out to KU Endowment and sent to 2330 Shawnee Mission Parkway Suite 302 Westwood, KS 66205.The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude and appreciation to the amazing caregivers at KUMC and Kansas City Hospice who helped care for Don in the last year. We encourage you to continue living like Don and “Always look on the bright side of life!”
Don was born in Kansas City, Missouri to Don and Marty Black. He attended Pembroke Hill, the University of Kansas, and the University of Minnesota. He was an active member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. Throughout his life, Don has been a proud alumnus and supporter of the PHS Raiders and the KU Jayhawks!
Don was a father, husband, mentor, friend, coach, and colleague —and always an optimist who allowed others to flourish. Known as a facilitator, collaborator, and constructive leader, Don was the founding CEO of Child Health Corporation of America, the nation’s largest alliance of leading children’s hospitals. Renowned for his strategic thinking and unstoppable energy, Don was honored to serve on the Board of Directors of several well-known non-profit organizations, and was the Executive in Residence at the University of Kansas Medical School Program in Health Policy and Management. He often shared his insights as a dynamic healthcare speaker for state and national associations.
For all his accomplishments, those who had the chance to spend time with Don, in any capacity, truly highlight the culture he created and the focus he maintained on working hard and playing harder! He loved jokes, tricks, and any zany, fun ideas he could make happen. Many a time, the curving smile of his upper lip would signify, that he was, indeed, the prankster in question. His laugh was as infectious as a school boy’s, loud and boisterous, and his bright blue eyes would twinkle with glee when he achieved a response or reaction that he hoped for in another. He always managed to channel his wonderful inner child, and that helped him keep his unrelenting optimism in any situation. Don put his family first and made their lives like a fairytale, and even described his own life as more wonderful than he ever could have imagined.
Don is survived by the love of his life, Lucie, his four beloved children, Mollie (Brian) Bechtold, Meghan, Donald, and Matthew Black, countless other family and friends, and the one who called him Pop-Pop and always made him smile, his grand-daughter, Lucie Jane.
A visitation will be held at the Johnson County Chapel, 11200 Metcalf Avenue on August 10, 2014 at 3:30 to 5:30 pm. True to his entertaining nature, Don vetoed a funeral, and instead hosted a Celebration of Life party in early July.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to be directed to the Neurology-Oncology program at the University of Kansas Hospital. Checks should be made out to KU Endowment and sent to 2330 Shawnee Mission Parkway Suite 302 Westwood, KS 66205.The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude and appreciation to the amazing caregivers at KUMC and Kansas City Hospice who helped care for Don in the last year. We encourage you to continue living like Don and “Always look on the bright side of life!”
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