http://www.hdnews.net/Story/bobkuhn040908An icon in local education, Kuhn dies at 57
By DIANE GASPER-O’BRIEN
dobrien@dailynews.net
One of Bob Kuhn’s favorite songs was “Live Like You Were Dying” by country artist Tim McGraw.
Kuhn was able to do that for nearly 10 years after being diagnosed with kidney cancer in 1998.
He lost his battle with the disease early this morning when he died at his home in Hays. He was 57.
Funeral arrangements are pending with Cline’s Mortuary of Hays, but Kuhn’s wife, Cyndi, said a Mass tentatively has been set for Thursday afternoon or evening, followed by a memorial Friday.
A multi-sport athlete at Hays High School and Fort Hays State University, Kuhn returned to his alma mater as football, wrestling and track coach in the mid 1970s. He also taught physical education in the Hays district for 28 years before stepping down earlier this decade because of the cancer.
Kuhn was honored during homecoming 2004 as the winner of the Hays High Alumni Association’s distinguished service award for that year.
During his acceptance speech, Kuhn read excerpts from McGraw’s song, about a man who found out he had a terminal disease when he was in his early 40s.
McGraw talks about using the time he has left in a positive manner, “loving deeper and speaking sweeter and giving forgiveness he had been denying.”
Kuhn was in his mid-40s when he learned he had cancer, and despite numerous trips to doctors and experimental procedures, he never gave up.
“That’s the way he lived; every day to him was special,” said Mike Karl, a longtime co-worker at Hays High and a good friend of Kuhn’s. “He couldn’t wait to the next day to see the next special day.”
Kuhn was around to see both his children, Matt and Amy, get married and was able to experience being a grandpa twice. He also has two stepchildren, Jake and Chelsea Danner.
Kuhn always talked about “giving back,” which he did to the end. He volunteered in his church and in the local schools and for youth groups, often was called on to give motivational speeches and was a member of the Board of Education for USD 489.
McGraw’s song ends with him saying, “someday I hope you get the chance to live like you were dying.”
Kuhn did, and a lot of people are the better for it.
“Bob Kuhn was a good man with a great big heart,” said Alan Moore, school board president. “He was a quiet leader that led by example, a husband, father, coach, teacher, counselor, mentor and a good friend.”
“He possessed the ability to fill voids in the lives who were lucky enough to be around him.” Moore added.
Karl agreed.
“He was always thinking what he could do to help somebody else,” he said. “It was never, never about him.”
A longtime fixture in the Hays education and prep sports scene, Bob Kuhn died April 8, 2008 at age 57 after a decade-long battle against cancer. FRED HUNT Hays Daily News