Weston Oliver Sullivan, Jr

Weston Oliver "Skip" Sullivan, Jr. of Davidson, NC passed away peacefully August 1, 2012 at his home. A service of celebration for his life will be held on Sunday, August 12 at 3:00 pm at Davidson College Presbyterian Church with Dr. Bill Cain, Reverend Ed Wayland and Reverend Robert Alexander officiating. Friends are invited to attend a visitation service immediately following at the Congregation House. A private burial service will be held prior to the memorial service. Skip was born February 16, 1957 in Charlotte, NC to Weston Oliver (W.O.) Sullivan, Sr. and Helen Alexander Sullivan. He was a 1974 graduate of Harding High, Mercy School of Nursing in 1979 and Carolinas Medical School of Anesthesia in 1985. Upon graduation, he married Beth Knox Sullivan, moved to Davidson and embarked upon his 27-year career with Presbyterian Hospital. As a cardiac anesthetist, Skip was well respected and trusted to take care of the most difficult heart surgery procedures, and was revered as an anchor to the heart unit at Presbyterian. His colleagues appreciated his razor sharp attention to detail and ability to lighten difficult situations with his sense of humor. He was a compassionate guide and advisor to a multitude of family and friends who faced medical conditions. Skip was a man of many talents throughout his life - from holding the top position on the high school tennis team to acquiring a 7th degree black belt in Kan Shin Ryu Kempo Karate. He had a passion for cycling, participating for several years in the Multiple Sclerosis Road to the Beach bike event, raising thousands of dollars for charity. He was a top fundraiser and won a trip to bike for MS in Napa Valley, CA. He and his wife Beth took the trip of a lifetime to cycle the hills of the Tour de France route and witness the race firsthand. He found wonderful friendships through cycling, and those led to participation in triathlons. At the age of 50, he completed an Ironman Triathlon. As one of his proudest achievements, he commemorated the event with a tattoo of the Ironman symbol. He was a firearms expert and car enthusiast. Skip's fabulous sense of humor, quick wit and vast knowledge was appreciated by his co-workers, friends, karate students, colleagues, fellow cyclists and family. Skip's children were the pride and joy of his life. He was a fixture at all of Luke's various sports practices and games and looked forward to Sarah's piano recitals every year. His greatest happiness came from knowing his family was provided for and afforded every opportunity for success. The most recent years of his life were overshadowed by prostate and thyroid cancer along with chronic back pain. He never gave up and fought every emotional and physical hardship with all his might. He is now at peace and will be remembered for the full, vibrant life he lived before his extended illness. Skip is survived by his wife, Elizabeth (Beth) Knox Sullivan, daughter Sarah Sullivan of Nashville, TN, son Lucas (Luke) Sullivan of Davidson, niece Kim Mercer of Atlanta, GA, sister Diane Sullivan Hendrix of Charlotte, brothers in law, Rusty Knox (Danielle), Doug Knox (Terilynne), Mike Knox and nieces and nephews (Trey, Tyler, Tucker, Raleigh, Emily, Joseph, August, Jacob and Kamryn.) He was predeceased by his parents W.O. and Helen Sullivan, and brother Barry Sullivan. Memorials may be made to Skip's favorite charity www.LIVESTRONG.org/tribute. Raymer-Kepner Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting the family. Condolences may be offered at www.raymerfh.com.