Dr. Rodney Sydney Dill

Dr. Rodney Sydney Dill, 83, of Atwood, died Saturday, November 23, 2024, in Lakewood, Colorado. He was born on February 22, 1941, in Lafayette, Indiana to William and Daphne Dill, the second of eight children. Growing up on the lush soil of Indiana's Corn Belt, he helped his grandfather on the family farm during his high school years, proud of being known as the “Best Haybale Pitcher.” At age 18 he enlisted in the U.S Air Force and happily found himself stationed in Clark Air Force Base in the Philippines. While stationed there, Airman Dill enrolled at the branch of the University of the Philippines located on the USAF base. During a tour of the university main campus, he met university student Elena Gay Matutina, who served as a tour guide for American students. A two-year courtship eventually led to Rodney and Gay's marriage on July 28, 1962. Together they raised four children while then Captain Dill was in the USAF Reserve and pursuing a degree in Bachelor of Science in Agriculture at Purdue University in Indiana. Pursuing his ambition to become a medical doctor, Rodney, Gay and children went back to the Philippines in 1971 where he enrolled at the Cebu Institute of Medicine. The move enabled the children to bond with their Filipino grandparents and learn of their mother's heritage and culture. Finally in April 1977, Rodney earned his degree of Doctor of Medicine.  

After a year of post doctoral clinical internship and residency at the University of Kansas Medical Center, medical school classmates Dr. Rodney Dill and Dr. James Fitzgerald were hired by the Rawlins County Clinic in Atwood in 1978. They purchased the clinic from the hospital in June 1978 but retained the name. They were busy caring for families, delivering babies and lots of general and emergency surgery common to the hazards of agricultural life. After Dr. Fitzgerald left Atwood, Dr. Dill opened a new clinic at 411 Page Street, and for the first time introduced a complete computer medical network he had developed during the preceding years. “The computer is a diagnostic tool,” he explained, “interfaced with a network of medical information and access to the American Medical Association's library through telephone hookup and printout of materials directly from medical books available to every physician. Here he can gain more knowledge about disease and treatments.” This innovation proved a superb diagnostic tool for Dr. Dill and his patients. The year was1982 and the new clinic's name became Dill Medical Associates. Over the years Dr. George Kwitka (also Rodney's medical school classmate) and Dr. Glen Harden, an Atwood native, came to work at Dill Medical Associates.

Dr. Dill continued to broaden and improve his medical knowledge and skills by attending continuing medical education at Harvard Medical School in Boston for several years. An invitation to attend an international symposium on stem cell research at Heidelberg University in Germany was exciting, commented wife Gay who always accompanied her husband to these medical conferences. They both enjoyed their trips and vacations in parts of Europe, Asia, and the Holy Land. However, an event happened here in Atwood which they hold close and dear to their heart – Dr. Dill Appreciation Day. The community turned out in force at the Columbian Hall on January 17, 1982. A crowd of well-wishers expressed their gratitude and appreciation for the work Dr. Dill performed, with professional colleagues weighing in. Dr. Robert Simpson, surgeon of Oberlin, said, “The fact that he is willing to work alone is a major contribution to this community. It is a load not many is willing to assume.” Dr. Lloyd Bigelow, internist of Denver called to say “.......It is easy to be a doctor in a big city with specialists and sophisticated equipment, but it takes a special kind of courage, knowledge and dedication to practice solo in a rural setting. I believe these doctors will wear a special crown in heaven.”

In 1992 Dr. Dill decided to relocate his medical practice. He accepted a position as Emergency Room Physician and Medical Director of the Advanced Cardiac Life Support training program at Mercy Hospital in Fort Scott, Kansas. His medical practice was lucrative which enabled him to purchase his “dream farm.”

In March of 2005, he and Gay decided to return to Atwood where they kept their home all the years they were away. He began full time practice at Rawlins County Health Center on March 7, 20Dr. Dill closed a chapter of his medical career with the announcement of his retirement on Nov. 30, 2014. A reception party in February 2015 capped his retirement having served over the years since 1978 as Chief of Staff at the hospital, County Coroner, Good Samaritan Medical Director, EMS Medical Director and County Health Director.

Dr. Dill served in the US Air Force for 30 years with 10 years on active duty. He then spent the last 12 years in the Army Reserves. Much of his early military career was in the field of electronics and computers. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel from the U.S. Army.

He was a member of the Atwood Rotary Club, Knights of Columbus, Atwood Chapter of the American Legion, American Medical Association, and a lifelong member of the National Federation of Music Clubs. Dr. Dill played the cello with Gay on the violin, the signature piece: “Let There Be Peace on Earth” at the Annual County Christmas Community Program.

Rodney was preceded in death by his parents, William and Daphne Dill, brothers William Jr., Michael, and sister Karen. He is survived by his loving wife Elena Gay, his children Roddy (Rebecca), Kevin (Erin), Tiffany (Dan), Melanie (Shawn); 8 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren; sister Debbie (Jamie), brothers Larry (Sue), Terry (Jo), Tommy; and numerous nephews and nieces.

Visitation is 5-7:00 p.m. with a Vigil at 7:00 p.m. Friday, November 29, 2024, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Atwood. Funeral Mass is 10:00 a.m. Saturday, November 30, 2024, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Atwood, with burial in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Atwood. Memorials may be made to the church and sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For information or condolences visit baalmannmortuary.com