Kemp
William Madison Kemp
June 26, 1953
February 13, 2024

William Madison Kemp III passed from our world to his Lord and Savior on February 13, 2024. He was born in Shreveport, Louisiana on June 26, 1953 to Billy Jean (Hawthorne) and William Madison Kemp II. Bill lived a short time in Laurel, MS, but spent most of his childhood in New Orleans, LA where he graduated from the Isidore Newman School in 1971. He was a star athlete in football and basketball, and always said, tongue in cheek, that Payton, Eli, and Arch Manning were the 2nd, 3rd and 4th best quarterbacks to graduate from Isidore Newman. It was his passion for football that earned him a full ride scholarship to the University of Colorado, where he fulfilled his childhood dream of living in the mountains. He graduated with a degree in economics and returned home to New Orleans to work for Shell Oil Company. He soon found his way back to his alma mater to pursue an additional degree in geology, graduating with honors in 1980. He furthered his education by earning a Master's Degree in geology in 1985 at the University of Utah. A lifelong learner, Bill later pursued classes in computer science in Colorado Springs, CO, eventually spending over 30 years in software engineering.
While a student in Utah and Colorado, he discovered his love for the outdoors and spent substantial time exploring and nurturing his immense love for nature. He mapped the Glacier Peak Wilderness in Washington and a large portion of the Henry Mountains in Utah for the United States Geological Survey. Bill avidly skied, fly fished whenever he could, and mountain biked on endless roads.
He married Marie Burgess Ryan (m. 1988 - 2014) in Colorado Springs and had two daughters, Justine and Katherine Kemp. He spent most every fair weathered weekend, short work day, and any other opportunity he had on the golf course. His athletic talents carried over to his golf game as he often won his bets and also some tournaments. If you asked, he was perhaps most proud of his 2012 Senior Club Championship at the Broadmoor Golf Club. At night, he would play his guitar for hours, perfecting songs like "Layla" by Eric Clapton. As a loving father, he passed down his passion and joy for life by spending countless hours playing golf, skiing, camping, fishing, playing music, talking, and laughing with his daughters.
In his later years, he found love again with Kathryn Derezinski in Phoenix, AZ. They loved traveling together, spending most of their free time exploring the Southwest United States. Their last trip together was to the Galapagos Islands.
Bill is survived by his significant other, Kathryn, his two daughters, Justine Kemp (Wesley Kruse) and Katherine Kemp, his brother Robert (Melinda), his niece and nephew, Nola and Walker Kemp, and one grandson, Andrew William Kruse. He will be remembered in a Celebration of Life at the Broadmoor Golf Club Ross room at 2 PM on Saturday, March 16, 2024.

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Published by The Gazette on Mar. 10, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for William Kemp

3 Entries

March 12, 2024

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Jay Lapeyre

March 6, 2024

Bill and I were basketball teammates in high school.
He was a gifted and intensely competitive athlete and sports was his focus. We lost touch over the years, and reconnected last fall at a team reunion this past fall. We shared wonderful memories and the intense gratitude we have for our experience and lessons of our formative years. And Bill reinforced what was and is fundamental to each of our struggles for happiness in the brief time we have.
In college and beyond Bill broadened his immense energy from sports alone to a lifelong commitment to learning, self-improvement and eliminating obstacles to pursue his dreams.
By demonstrated his appreciation and excitement for his life of learning through focus, courage and mastery of multiple occupations. A pattern and model that allowed him to flourish in each occupation and in life.
An inspiration for all of us interested in creating our best lives.
His early death is a sad loss.
Sincerely, Jay Lapeyre

Jack Jurgens

March 6, 2024

I graduated from high school with Bill in 1971. A great guy and a great football and basketball player. Was unaware of his golf prowess but not surprised.
Bill was a big fan of the Tonight Show and Johnny Carson, as was I. Every morning at home room period,, we would go through Cason"s skits and comedy bits from the night before, laughing through the start of class.
This is way too young. God bless Bill and the Kemp family .
Jack Jurgens

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