William McArthur "Rip" Kesler

William McArthur “Rip” Kesler William McArthur Kesler, loved son, brother, and friend, passed away unexpectedly at home September 17, 2022, of natural causes. Nicknamed “Rip” as an infant by his father, Rip was born June 14, 1955, in Liberal, Kansas, to Sarah (McArthur) Kesler and William R. Kesler. An exuberant, beautiful boy, Rip spent his childhood first in Liberal and then in Garden City, Kansas. Fortunately for Rip, his family loved animals and other creatures as much as he did. At various times, he had pet squirrels, alligators, turtles, ducks, and rabbits to add to the family’s menagerie of beloved dogs and cats. In later life, he sheltered many a stray, and tended wildlife wherever he lived. Rip was inventive and always intrigued with mechanics. As a kid, he built more of a ‘condo’ than a hut for his rabbit, designed and built a three-tiered treehouse, created a zip line in the backyard way before they were common, and once filled his bedroom with a several stories high, intricate electric train track that totally worked! He tinkered with go-karts, and ultimately, spiffed up a 1934 Ford Coupe, his pride and joy at the time. In his mid-teens the family moved to Leawood, Kansas. After graduation from Shawnee Mission South, Rip pursued studies in art and design and honed his innate skill in carpentry, ultimately combining his talents in refurbishing old houses, a great love of his. He was quite the artist and craftsman, working on grand old houses and many other homes, with great respect and care as though they were his own. So many homes around the metro area have been enhanced by his superb skill and care. With brief residences in his twenties in Oklahoma City and Las Vegas, Nevada, the Kansas City area was Rip’s home. Wherever he lived, Rip had a great love of place, and knew the area like the back of his hand — the geography, architecture, history, people — just one example of his rich intelligence. He embraced his citizenship by voting in every election, local, state, federal. And, he’d encourage you to do the same. He loved the Earth, and did his best as an individual to be ecologically responsible, including using recycled or salvaged wood anytime he could in his work. Rip lived as a fiercely proud gay man, loved by his family. Active in the gay community wherever he lived, it was in Kansas City that he nursed — and lost — too many good friends through the AIDS epidemic. In spite of the challenges of such heartache and the condemnation of the times, Rip always remained true to who he was. Full of contradictions and complexities, Rip struggled in the world, as many of us do. Fortunately, other friends from his brother Matt’s world of music came to the fore in what would be Rip’s last years to help to sustain him. Rip’s family wishes to thank particularly Abe, Stretch, and Darren and Kathi for their sheltering friendship and love. Surviving her beloved son is Rip’s mother Sarah Kesler; his loving siblings Karen Smith, Kathy Kesler (Sandra), Kari Knabe, and Matt Kesler (Lendy); treasured nephews Jason (Sharon) Smith and Jared Smith and their families, and niece Audrey Kesler; and caring friends. Rip was preceded in death by his loved and loving father. Celebration of Life for Rip Saturday, November 5, 2002 1:00 to 4:00 pm Location: The Ship 1221 Union Ave Kansas City, MO 64101 In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to KC Pet Project, 7077 Elmwood Ave, Kansas City, Missouri 64132, EIN: 45-3067615, https://donate.kcpetproject.org/give/60382/#!/donation/checkout (In giving, please click "Dedicate my donation in honor or in memory of someone”.)

William McArthur "Rip" Kesler

June 14, 1955 - September 17, 2022