William K. Kingdon Leaves Lasting Legacy for Huron Community

October 27, 2023 // Community Savings Account, Donors

Because of the late William “Bill” Keith Kingdon’s generosity, local nonprofits will benefit for years to come through the William K. Kingdon Charitable Fund, a sub fund of the Huron Community Foundation (HCF) held with the South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF).

Bill attended Jefferson School and Huron High School graduating in 1963. He graduated from the University of South Dakota in 1967 with a degree in music education. “He always wanted to return to Huron,” said his older brother, Dick Kingdon. “He very much loved the community.”

Bill joined the Peace Corps in 1967, and spent two years in Sierra Leone, West Africa. Following that, in 1971, he went to work for the Bureau of Indian Affairs, teaching music, math, and reading to the Navajo Indian Students at Fort Wingate School near Gallup, New Mexico. He retired in 2001 and lived the rest of his life in Gallup.

“He always wanted to return to Huron,” said his older brother, Dick Kingdon. “He very much loved the community.”

Bill was an accomplished pianist, singer and guitar player. His musical abilities brought acclaim from students and friends alike who knew him. His brother, Dick commented, “After his passing, I was very happy to find recordings Bill had made of him singing and playing guitar. He was very talented.”

His parents and grandparents preceded him in death. He is survived by his older brother, Richard "Dick" Kingdon of Mundelein, Illinois.

Because of his gift to HCF, their local advisory council will make distributions to local charitable causes and nonprofits for years to come with preference given to musical efforts.

HCF was established in 2004 in partnership with the SDCF. With careful investment, the fund will continue to grow and enhance quality of life in the local area forever. This fund is one of 85 communities in partnership with SDCF. Individuals, families and organizations can establish their own named fund under the umbrella of HCF with the minimum of a $100,000 deposit. Currently there are several named funds that are a lasting legacy to these donors. Donations can be made to any named fund by any donor by contacting HCF.

Established named funds can recommend to HCF of their desire for future grants.

HCF Advisory Council Members