Kristopher Allen Weatherly, Ph.D.

Kris Weatherly, age 44, passed away July 4, 2009. He was born in Morton, Texas, to Dean Weatherly and Fern Cawthon Weatherly. In 1973, Kris and his family moved to Casa Grande, Arizona, where his father operated KPIN radio station and later served two terms as Pinal County Supervisor.

Kris was always the smartest kid around and a natural student. In 1982, he graduated from Casa Grande Union High School as co-valedictorian with a perfect 4.0 grade point average. He continued to get top honors throughout his educational career, earning degrees at Central Arizona College and Arizona State University, and the University of Arizona. In 1995, Kris received a Ph.D. in Management from the University of Arizona.

Specializing in organizational and leadership development, Kris worked several years in the private sector at Gallup Consulting in Lincoln,

Nebraska; Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida; and Standard Chartered Bank in London, England. He also actively engaged in research, writing, and consulting for numerous public and private organizations throughout his career.

Ultimately, Kris's love of learning brought him back to the academic world where he was an inspired and respected teacher. He spent several years as assistant professor in the College of Business at Campbellsville University in Campbellsville, Kentucky. In 2007, he returned to the University of Arizona, re-joining long-time friends and colleagues to serve as associate director of the University Teaching Center, where he had both administrative and teaching duties.

In 2001, Kris married Krista Kelly. Their son, John Kristopher Weatherly, was born in 2002. Kris was devoted to his wife and son, and especially adored being a dad to John.

Kris had an engaging personality and infectious sense of humor. He was a voracious reader and loved a competitive game of cards. He was also a favorite and fun-loving uncle to his nieces and nephews: Bethany and Jennifer Benedict, Christopher and Audrey Petersen, and Justin and Walker Weatherly.

Kris is survived by his wife Krista and son John, brother Kevin (Margie), father Dean (Trish), and extended family members Brett Benedict, Mark Petersen, and six nieces/nephews. He is pre-deceased by his mother, Fern, and sisters Kim and Kandra.

In life and through the illness that claimed his life, Kris found comfort and strength in his faith in God. His spirituality was an important part of him and his legacy to family and friends.

Celebration of Life service will be held at The Cole & Maud Gardens Chapel, Sunday, July 12, at 5 pm. Donations can be made to Kris Weatherly Medical Fund, Bank of America A25-130-01-01. J. Warren Funeral Services Cole & Maud The Gardens Chapel is in charge of arrangements.