Dr. Walter Kmiecik
May 22, 1959 - July 5, 2022

"I was very shocked and saddened when I learned of his 'unexpected 'death. After my previous Longtime medical relationship with two doctors who retired a couple years ago. After I reviewed available doctors, I chose Dr.K. He was a good guy. Rest in peace..Dr. K. Left us way too soon! "

"I am so shocked and saddened by Dr Kmieciks passing, I had an appointment with him that week which I always looked forward to seeing him (it?s kinda crazy to say you look forward to your Drs appointment ?)he was funny and very personable and didn?t hold back on what was wrong with me! I?ve been going to him for more than 15 years! The first time I met him I knew he?d be my forever doctor ! I never ever had a problems getting an appointment with him! He gave great advice ..,I remember for years he told me I had to lose weight to control my blood pressure? ?use portion control?and cut out the deli meats and cheeses, which I finally did and lost 20 lbs! I came back in 6 months and he totally noticed and took me off those meds!! We had small talk too talking about our kids, vacation and other things he made you feel comfortable and didn?t rush the appointments. My daughter turned 18 and needed an adult doctor so I tried calling to get her an appointment and they said he was already booked not taking new patients? But Dr Kmiecik said he?d take her because she was my family! He was great !! I?ll miss him terribly ! My Condolences to his family , friends, colleagues and patients I know he?s touched so many peoples hearts? ???"

"Im so sorry to hear about your loss. We shared stories about great soccer teams in Europe from the past and his love of sport. Rest in peace Dr Walter, I was a patient for 10 yrs."

"I will never forget where I was when my daughter texted me to let me know that Dr. Kmiecik had passed away. He took such good care of my family for over twenty years. When my husband and I had a crisis in our marriage, he referred us to a phenomenal psychiatrist who was able to diagnose my husband's bi-polar and my anxiety and depression. He literally saved our marriage and we celebrated our 42nd wedding anniversary this year. Without his help, I don't know what our lives would be like today. He was so dedicated and thorough in his approach to our health issues. He was so funny. I left appointments laughing at a joke he shared and promptly repeated his jokes to family members and friends. God bless you, Dr. Kmiecik. You were a bright light in our lives and you made such a difference in the lives of people who were lucky enough to know you. Blessings to your family. "

"I just received the terrible news and I couldn't believe it. Doctor Kmiecik was an outstanding doctor because he always behaved like an outstanding human being. He was my doctor since early 2019 and thanks to his honest advice and caring disposition I made changes to my lifestyle that led to considerable improvements to my physical health. I remember that he always talked to me like a real authentic person who happened to be an excellent doctor, and that is why I wholeheartedly trusted him. He occasionally shared some little bits about his personal life, such as some of his trips with his wife and how life was in his native country of Poland. He also always praised how well I pronounced his full name in a proper Polish accent, according to him, which made me happy, since I am not from Poland. I am sure I am one of many, many patients who will sorely miss him, as a doctor and as a human. I am sure his soul is now in a peaceful place. I pray that his family also find peace and comfort in his absence. "

"Our deepest condolences for the Family. We have lost a good friend. We miss him and we miss our conversations. He is in our prayers. Grazyna, Wieslaw, and family"

"I leave my deepest condolences for The family. Dr Kmiecik was my Dr. for the past 15 years. I just heard of his passing today. My heart is saddened. Every day is such a gift and tomorrow is never promised. RIP Dr. Kmiecik. "

"Jak?e wcze?nie i niespodziewanie Bóg odebra? nam przyjaciela. Przyjaciela, którego ?ycie przeplata?o si? z naszym od m?odo?ci. Wspomnienia tej przyja?ni, od czasów ch?opi?cych po jak?e nieodleg?y czas pozostawi? S?awka w naszej pami?ci. B?dzie z nami wsz?dzie od pabianickich starych k?tów, stoków narciarskich po Meksyka?sk? pla??. Jego pami?? niestety nigdy nie zast?pi jego zaskakuj?cych wieloj?zycznych cytatów, wyrafinowanych ?artów, jego gotowo?ci do pomocy, ofiarno?ci i licznych dobrych rad, których nigdy nikomu nie sk?pi?. By? uwielbianym lekarzem, ofiarnym wolontariuszem, niezast?pionym kompanem i prawdziwym przyjacielem."

"I'm truly saddened to find out the wonderful Dr. who's name I could not spell correctly on every form until the smart phone has passed away. He was such a great doctor. FUNNY, caring and to the point when necessary. I never knew that a quailty I wanted in a doctor was humor until I luckily took the first available appointment 20 years ago after my doctor since I was a kid retired. It was my first year in college. He walked in, shook my hand, sat down, looked at my chart. Then he said, "18 years old, good looking young man. Let me guess, drip from unit". It hurt to laugh out loud cause it was bronchitis and now I was coughing due to the laughter. Never been to another Doctor since that day. The next time I need to go to the Dr. they will have big shoes to fill! You will be missed. My condolences to your wife, children, colleagues and other patients."

"This news broke our hearts! Dr. Kmiecik took care of my mom and dad for many years, and I was always there helping to translate, but he would always come in knowing something in Serbian. He would always make us laugh. When I was younger I was his patient as well, my vitamin D was low and he drew me with my hair and said if you?re outside all the time in the sun, then it must be that it?s so low because all your hair is blocking it, I will never forget that I laughed so hard. Thank you Dr for taking good care of my mom and dad and being such a kind hearted soul. May you Rest In Peace. Our deepest condolences to the family. "

"I too just learned of his passing. Dr Kmiecik has been my doctor for nine years. I am so saddened by this news. As so many have said, he was a friend to all his patients. An appointment would always involve laughter, yet remain professional. I will really miss him. I don't think I'll ever find another Dr like him. I pray for his family during this very difficult time. "

"I received the letter while I was out of town?so I am late getting this news but it didn?t stop me from crying and I am unable to comprehend this lost. Dr. Kmiecik was an absolute treasure! He was everything a real doctor should be? listening, kind, thorough, teaching, and sympathetic but firm in his medical application. I will never forget him and it will be my life work to find another like him? he broke the mold. My heartfelt condolences to his wife and family. RIP Dr. Kmiecik you will be sorely missed. Margot Monroe"

"My husband and I had been patients of Dr. Kmiecik for the past 12 yrs. Our hearts are sad and heavy after receiving the letter from the practice regarding his unexpected passing. Dr. K was truly one of a kind! He was humble and kind! He always entered the room smiling and took his time with you to talk, joke and share a laugh. His passion for his craft and patient care was evident in all our visits. He will be greatly missed by all whose lives he touched. Our thoughts & prayers to his family ???? Kim & John Knihnisky "

"Dr Kmiecik, I just got the news today that you have left us. Recently I saw you at the office and not only did you take good care of me and made me feel better. We talked and laughed and shared memories of our life. I feel a great sadness Knowing that you will no be there. Good doctors are hard to find and you certainly were one. You will be remembered......"

"I met Dr Kmiecik during my residency in NYC 30 years ago. We lived in Roosevelt Hospital housing ,where we had small polish commune . I remember his great humor, love of - outdoors ,good whiskey , polish white sausage and his beautiful blue eyes. Rest In Peace ! Niech ci ziemia lekk? b?dzie !Dr Anna Barczewska ."

"Thank you Dr kmiecik for being our guardian angel on earth. Will miss your humor. And that thing you used to do with your mouth while you where on the computer. Rest in peace"

"My heart is very saddened by the news of the passing of Dr Kmiecik he was my Dr for 20 years My prayers for his wife & family during this time & the days to come He was a great Dr treated his patients with care and respect RIP "

"My husband and I had the pleasure of having Dr. Kmiecik as a doctor for the last ten years and our hearts hurt to know we will no longer be able to see him. It took me years to have my husband commit to a doctor and when we learned of his passing he said "I don't want another doctor, he was not just any doctor, he was one of a kind". What a wonderful human being, so caring and compassionate with his patients and always leaving you with a joke and a smile. Our condolences to his family and please take solace in the fact that Dr. K touched so many lives and will always be remembered fondly. We will truly miss him."

"I am so saddened to hear the passing of Doctor Kmiecik, he has been my Doctor for twenty years. I am at a loss, to even find a Doctor like him. I will miss talking, and laughing with him, and his very personal way of making you feel it will be OK. He was one of a kind in a very special way. My sympathies go to his family, but, know he was a great doctor, and be so proud of him. I will miss him dearly! R I P Doctor Kmiecik!!"

"I?m in shock as I write this but I feel like I should. I only started see him within the last year but immediately felt at ease in his presence. His bedside manor, his candor and sense of humor made every visit memorable. I only ever say him when I was at my worst, but he always gave me his best. I will truly miss visits with him. My warmest and sincerest condolences to his family. He was a very special man and will be dearly missed. "

"My adult children and I have been patients of Dr. Kmiecik for the last few years. I appreciated his caring for my family. I just made an appt. to (hopefully) see him this week so I was quite shocked of the news. My best regards to his friends and family."

"I just received the letter today about Dr.Kmiecik. My mom and I were patients since we moved to Arizona a year ago. We appreciated his sense of humor and his care. We saw him a few weeks ago and he was very helpful. Out thoughts are with his family. "

"Our family was in shock yesterday when we received the letter about Dr. K's passing. He was the most incredible, caring doctor over the past 20 years. It took me a long time to find a doctor that my husband would feel comfortable with and we have stayed with him although we've moved far away. It's worth the hour drive each way because we know we're going to see Dr. K. He was brilliant at his job and saved my husband 's life. At one physical, he found a mass. That was on Friday afternoon. He personally made a couple calls and got my husband to a specialist on that same day. The following Monday, my husband was in surgery for testicular cancer. Mr. K made it all happen very quickly and saved his life. We will forever be in his debt. Our deepest condolences to his beautiful family. God bless you. We are sending our thoughts and prayers. "

"Over a year ago I was searching for a doctor and Dr K caught my attention. Even though he was my doctor for only one year I had many Doctor visits with him because I have a lot of health problems. Every time I left the office I felt very cared for. He always had a smile on his face took time to listen to all my issues that I was having and was always very concerned. I was very sad by the letter I received yesterday about his passing. Dr k made a big difference in my life because of the great doctor he was. He always ended our visits with words of encouragement a smile and a fist bump. My condolences to his family. He will truly be missed."

"Words cannot describe the shock...sadness....hurt my husband and I received when we opened a letter telling us Dr. K had left us so suddenly!!! He took care of both us for over 15 years and now we feel an overwhelming loss as to who will take care of us at our older ages...he cared for us not only professionally but personally...and we always wondered what the joke of the day was going to be...we shared his vacation adventures..his skiing trips...to his family whom we got know...God bless you and give you comfort at this time of your loss. Connie and Paul Boucek "

"Dr K was a funny doctor. He would make sure you were cared for and heard. He shared his love for his family. I am in shock with his passing and hope you can heal with each passing day. Dr K would end our patient visit with a joke and I valued his outlook on life. "

"Well SH*T. This sucks. Thank you for all of your humor over the past 15 -20 years. I truly appreciated how you shared your personal history, family stories, ski trips and various adventures while supplying me with antibiotics and various other meds to help me recover from my many many many stupid decisions in life. I was always happy to share stories with you as if we had know each other as friends for many years. I dread the idea of finding another doctor as I'm confident that no one will ever measure up. Hugs to you and your family. -NW"

"Thanks ?Doc? for all you have done for my family through all these years. You are missed. Phil D?Andrea"

"Dr. Kmiecik, it was an honor being your Medical Assistant. I will miss your jokes, sense of humor and you stopping me in the hall at work to say hello to me. Love you and will miss you, friend. God Bless You!!!"

"My deep condolences to the family. Dr. Kmiecik was a great man. Rest In Peace. "

"I had been Dr. Kmiecik?s patient for over 15 years. In those years I received excellent care. I liked his common sense approach diagnosing with his expertise, unlike some physicians depending on numerous tests even for small ailments. He was laidback, self assured, and always fixed my illness with precision and speed. For a few years I travelled domestically and oversea for business. In my appointments, Dr. Kmiecik and I would share those experiences. I noticed he was a highly educated, intelligent, worldly, cultured man with lots of interests and exposures in various subjects. His eccentric and brilliant sense of humor always put me at ease. We could exchange "politically incorrect comments", and opinions toward many dysfunctions in the world. Going to Dr. Kmiecik?s appointment became a treat for physical and mind healing. Dr. Kmiecik was the best doctor I had ever had. Losing him is heartbreaking and a big shock. I doubt if I would ever find another doctor that would won as much respect, trust and love from me. Nonetheless, I am grateful that I had the privilege to know him for those years. Dr. Kmiecik, Rest in Peace, we love you and miss you! "

"To Dorothy, Susan, Nicholas and Julie, I want to thank you very much for letting us be part of your family tonight. The live stream service was a blessing for us unable to attend his services, allowing his extended family/friends closure via video. Your Husband and Father was a wonderful Physician and friend to us. I was seen by him when I was really sick. He looked at me and gave me 2 options: go to the hospital or else. I tried to talk him out of it but he would not give in. 5 days later I got to leave the hospital. I want to thank him again for when I needed him. May you call upon us via his office if you need support during your time of need. Our condolences to your family and may God bless your Husband/Father and may he rest in peace Cheri Babin "

"We left a note at the funeral referencing what a great doctor he was but we also wanted to leave a special note to his family. He always spoke of his wife and children with love and pride, leaving no doubt that he was a devoted father and husband. We pray for all of you that you may be comforted in your sorrow. Mikal and April Kvalvik"

"Randolph Miller So very sad and shocked. Dr. Kmeicik had been my physician for so long ... I no longer remember any other doctors. I enjoyed this man, our conversations and his excellent care. He was good human being... that I truly miss already "

"I was heartbroken when I heard Dr. Kmiecik passed away. He was my physician for 15 years and I always looked forward to our video visits. He´d always ask which soccer jersey I was wearing each time and we´d talk a little soccer and how Lewandowski was doing. I remember during a difficult time in my life, he listened and cared for me, and even wrote a prescription to get some sun (really low vitamin D levels). He drew the sun, me, and my shadow. Always had a smile and joke and was an all around great person. I will miss him."

"I had the pleasure of being one of Dr K's patients for many years. I always looked forward to seeing him and chatting about current events, life and politics. I was fortunate enough to only see him a couple times a year because he did such a great job. I certainly will miss him and I pray for his family and hope they take some solace in knowing he had such a lasting positive impact on so many people. God bless his family during this difficult time. "

"I am completely devastated on the loss of such a great man! I have been a patient of his for over 15 years! I even moved across town & made the trip to see him when needed ! I couldn?t have asked for a better Doctor ! We would laugh & talk for most of the appointments! We always talked about vacations and my NYC!!! I don?t know what I will do to find a better man! Rest In Peace and you can find my Dad in Heaven and he can continue to chat like we always did ! Thanks for taking good care of me! Sending love & prayers to your family and friends ! Until we meet again up in the sky!! MaryEllen Sullivan ( your New York buddy )"

"It was beyond sadness learning of the passing of a true professional in the medical world. Dr. Kmiecik has been my doctor for many years attending to keeping me as healthy as I could be. His professional approach, his courtesy, his attention to details and to a large extent his sense of humor put him at the top of his game. How often can one say they looked forward to seeing their doctor! It always thrilled me when a family member, friend, or co-worker would ask if I knew of a good doctor, I could recommend to them. The answer was obvious, Dr Walter Kmiecik. How do you replace someone who meant so much to many of us? Prayers of condolence and peace are continuing to Dr. Kmiecik?s family. "

"Dr. Kmiecik, Words cannot express how heavy our hearts are at this time. You are one of the greatest physician and person we?ve ever had the privilege to know. You will truly be missed and will be thought of often. You were not only our family physician, you were also a good friend that was kind and always go above and beyond to ensure our health and well-being are being taken care of. I will always remember you reaching out to me when I was hospitalized, to see how I was doing and how my treatment plan was progressing. When we spoke, you were always encouraging, positive, and comforting. You will truly be missed. We will always remember our conversation of All Souls Day in Poland - and how you look forward to attending with your family. May you rest in eternal peace until that glorious day when we meet again. Blessings, The Woyna Family "

"HonorHealth Saguaro has lost a good Dr. I remember when he joined the office back in 2006. I was working front office at that time and was one of the few staff who could pronounce his last name clearly enough for our automated phone system so that his patients would know what option to push to leave him and his MA a message. His patients loved him and appreciated the time he spent with him. He will be dearly missed."

"I had the distinct pleasure of being Dr Kmiecik?s Care Coordinator for almost 3 years. There was never a dull moment when he was around- filling as much of the day with humor as he could while being an excellent physician and great colleague. I send my deepest condolences to family, friends, patients, and the many who were able to meet such a great person. "

"I had the honor of working with Dr. Kmiecik as his MA when I first started at Saguaro. He was a great doctor and a gentleman, he practiced his Italian with me, and I practiced my Polish, we discussed restaurants and all his wonderful trips he took. He loved and was very proud of his family and cared for his patients. He will truly be missed. May he rest in peace. My deepest condolences to his family."

"Dr. Kmieck will be truly missed. He was such a funny guy with a caring heart. All of his patients that came in to Urgent Care always had nothing but great things to say about the care they received by having him as a provider. I will miss our conversations in the break room as we joked around regarding any and everything. Saguaro lost a great provider and caregiver and his presence will definitely be missed."

"Dr Kmieck was truly the best ! Never rushed through appointments, made sure he answered any questions and always took the time to explain everything. Always asked about the family , joked around and told his jokes! My heart is truly sad. May you RIP and prayers to your family!. "

"Connie I worked with Dr. Kmiecik when he came to Saguaro. He was always so kind to everyone. He will be deeply missed. Such a great loss to his patients and his wife and family. Another Angel in heaven. Rest in peace."

" ?PIESZMY SI? ksi?dz Jan Twardowski ?pieszmy si? kocha? ludzi tak szybko odchodz? zostan? po nich buty i telefon g?uchy tylko to co niewa?ne jak krowa si? wlecze najwa?niejsze tak pr?dkie ?e nagle si? staje potem cisza normalna wi?c ca?kiem niezno?na jak czysto?? urodzona najpro?ciej z rozpaczy kiedy my?limy o kim? zostaj?c bez niego. Nie b?d? pewny ?e czas masz bo pewno?? niepewna zabiera nam wra?liwo?? tak jak ka?de szcz??cie przychodzi jednocze?nie jak patos i humor jak dwie nami?tno?ci wci?? s?absze od jednej tak szybko st?d odchodz? jak drozd milkn? w lipcu jak d?wi?k troch? niezgrabny lub jak suchy uk?on ?eby widzie? naprawd? zamykaj? oczy chocia? wi?kszym ryzykiem rodzi? si? ni? umrze? kochamy wci?? za ma?o i stale za pó?no Nie pisz o tym zbyt cz?sto lecz pisz raz na zawsze a b?dziesz tak jak delfin ?agodny i mocny ?pieszmy si? kocha? ludzi tak szybko odchodz? i ci co nie odchodz? nie zawsze powróc? i nigdy nie wiadomo mówi?c o mi?o?ci czy pierwsza jest ostatnia czy ostatnia pierwsza. Kochana p. Doroto, z Susanee, Nicholas and Julie ?mier? stawia nas w obliczu bezsilno?ci, która nas obezw?adnia i zabiera w nieznane. A kiedy pojawia si? kradn?c ukochan? osob?, przeszywa serce bólem i odznacza w nim swoje pi?tno, które przypomina nam stale jacy jeste?my wobec niej bezsilni. ?ycie Twoich wiernych o Panie zmienia si? ale si? nie ko?czy... Pani Doroto, przyjmij wyrazy najg??bszego wspó?czucia, modlitewnej pamieci i zrozumienia z powodu ?mierci m??a. Niech Zmartwychwsta?y Chrystus Pan Umocni Wasz? nadziej?, na spotkanie kiedy? w wieczno?ci. "

"Very sad news, indeed, to hear that Dr Kmiecik passed away. He was my one and only Doctor since 1996 when I emigrated from the UK. Always a fun person to chat and joke with. We would often banter about all kinds to topics, including the one visit where it was the anniversary of the Boshevic Revolution. I joked that if I' had known, I would have brought a bottle of vodka to celebrate... Sincerest condolences to family, friend, and colleagues... By?e? wspania?ym cz?owiekiem. Spoczywaj w pokoju. "

" Walter: To a great friend. Alway jovial and full of life. Great family man, husband and father. A proud Polish and American. Magnificent doctor and colleague. There is a song that says: ?Cuando un amigo se va, queda un espacio vacío, que no lo puede llenar la llegada de otro amigo. ? ( When a friend goes away, there is an empty space, can't fill it the arrival of another friend.) Thank you for opening your heart to me. So long Walter TE ESTRAÑARÉ "

"Was shocked and sorry to hear of Dr. Kmiecik?s passing. He?s been my doc since he started at Saguaro Family Practice. Always treated me like I was more than just a patient. Truly the best doc I ever had. Enjoyed our personal conversations and sharing hunting stories. I?m really going to miss him. Won?t be another one like him. Rest in piece Doc until we meet again. To his family, friends and co workers, my deepest sympathy. "

"To my favorite Doc!! Always made me feel like I was in good hands, whether I was sick or coming in for my physical. So personable, kind, caring and such a professional. My heart is sad at his passing. May God take your hand and lead you home. God Bless! Thoughts and prayers to the entire family! C. Daniels"

"I was heartbroken and shocked to learn that Dr. Kmiecik passed on! His passing was very unexpected. I have been a patient of Dr. Kmiecik for many years and had the privilege of having him as my physician. He was always there to take care of my medical issues always available if needed. Dr. Kmiecik was a special person and a wonderful doctor. I will miss him. May God bless him and my sincere condolences to his family at this time of sorrow."

"Please accept my heartfelt sympathies on the passing of Dr. Kmiecik. Doctor was so much more to many of us than a skilled physician. After 20 years his friendship, humor, sage advice, and engaging style will be sorely missed. I will miss him greatly! "

"Our doctor and our friend , I would like to send my love and deepest condolences from myself and my dear sweet husband, Bill, who passed in 2018. Among other memories, I remember when I first met his beautiful wife the day we rode motorcycles up to Cave Creek to have breakfast at Harold?s. The two men seemed like brothers. Rest In Peace. ?"

"Please accept my deepest condolences to his wife and children and everyone else who had the privilege of knowing him, working with him or or having him as our doctor. None of our lives will ever be the same. He had very special gifts and with his knowledge, he knew what would be best for each one of us in our medical care. He was always very pleasant and happy to see us each visit and how we were doing. I believe that he has earned his Wings and will continue to watch over us. May he Rest In Peace. "

"Dr. K, you were loved and appreciated and will be sorely missed! My deepest condolences to your family. May our fond memories of you sustain them at this difficult time. "

"I am so saddened about the passing of your husband and father, he was my primary care Dr. in 2021 just for one year, but every time I came to see him, he always told me something about himself and his family. I was born in Poland so we used to talk in Polish even I was only 7 years old when I left Poland, he told me that only one child of his speak Polish. He told me that he did 2 things good in his life, one to leave Poland and Second to move to AZ from the East coast. We would talk about Polish food, delis and restaurants."

"I believe Dr. Kmiecik and I have been together as patient and doctor for almost all of the 20 years he was at Saguaro. He was the doctor down the street and we conversed many, many times over that 20-year relationship. My grandparents were Polish immigrants and while it was spoken in my home, I knew only two or three phases and a couple extra words that were in no way conversational. One day, Dr. Kmiecik walked into the examination room greeting me in Polish and then remembering my total ignorance of the language, switched to English. We both laughed at that. He told me recently of his desire to be partially retired and to spend more time in his native Poland. He showed me pictures of the Polish cemetaries decorated with candles for All Saints' Day. I believe Covid got in the way of that dream and I am saddened by that almost as much as I am by his death. I already miss him very much. "

"My husband and I are were very saddened to hear of Dr.Kmieciks Passing , He was our Dr. for 20Yrs... Not only a Dr. but a person you could sit and tell anything to and joke and tell of each others familys and heritage.. Whenever we had the oppurtunity we'd bring him a Kielbasa from back East in New England... and he enjoyed those very Much...Dr. Kmiecik we are going to MISS YOU Nobody will be able to ever fill your Shoes... Our Deepest Sympathy to the Entire Family..May You Forever Rest in Peace...Sincerley Bob and Sue Adamski"

"How can I even begin to pay respect to a man who kept me alive much longer than I deserve? May your new spirit find the peace, love, and kindness missing from today's society. Goodbye (for now) to my physician and my friend. My condolences to your family."

"I will miss my Doctor. He was a very caring man. I was in his office for a visit when I got the news. Rest in Peace Doc!"