Before we say goodbye to 2008 we are remembering some of our favorite stories that made the year memorable. Tonight it's Dan Erdmann's turn and his story focuses on a MSU Art Professor who isn't about to let a life stop him from playing his favorite game.

(Dan Erdmann, KX News) He taught art for over 35 years, but now days he's mastering another art-Golf. Tom Willis retired as a professor in 2001, and shortly after, he started having some health problems. It started with a bi-pass procedure, but after a number of complications, Willis underwent another surgery.

(Tom Willis, Former MSU Professor) "They cut off below the knee first, and then that didn't heal up, and so a couple weeks later, which is about right now of last year, they cut off above the knee."

(Dan Erdmann, KX News) Although the amputation occurred recently, Willis says his complications stem from one life-long habit.

(Tom Willis, Former MSU Professor) "It's peripheral artery disease, most people think it's Diabetes, but basically it was from smoking, if you want to say that. How'd you do it? I say, fifty years of smoking, basically."


(Dan Erdmann, KX News) But thanks to continued advances in prosthetics, Willis is equipped with a state of the art, bionic limb.

(Tom Willis, Former MSU Professor) "It's supposed to be the best knee in the world right now, it's called a Rhio. It's got a microprocessor, and they program it. And it's supposed to sense what I'm doing like 600 times a second."


(Dan Erdmann, KX News) It can even sense things like changes in terrain and climbing stairs. But what makes Willis' leg so special, is his own, original art work, which covers the upper portion. He says it's taken some getting used to, but it's not about to keep him from the game he loves.

(Tom Willis, Former MSU Professor) "It was a little adjustment, but I've been playing golf since I was 12-years-old, I think. That's fifty years."


(Dan Erdmann, KX News) Willis says it has added a few strokes to his game, but his is still a much better score than this reporter could ever hope for. He also has a bit of advice for anyone in a similar situation.

(Tom Willis, Former MSU Professor) "Don't give up man. It's like the old- 'Fall off a horse, you gotta get right back on again.'"

(Dan Erdmann, KX News) In this case, it's a golf cart, not a horse, but Willis has proven that any setback, even a major one, shouldn't keep you from doing what you love. And that's why we think he's someone you should know. Dan Erdmann, KX News. watch the video | save this article / add to your favorites list