The note remains, though not the $100 bill.

Both were constants in William “Guy” Gronniger’s wallet, though the latter never stayed long. The long-time dentist carried a note with him that read “Was I kind today? Was I generous today? Did I make a difference in someone’s life? And did I thank God today?” He also tucked away a $100 as an answer — in case he came across someone who needed it more than him. Most days that was the case.

“I saw it on a daily basis,” his brother, Dan Gronniger, said. “He was a wonderful, giving individual.”

Guy, of Bendena, Kan., died Sept. 18 at age 61.

Guy flunked out of the University of Missouri-Kansas City the first time around. But then a co-worker, who was holding down a part-time job to put himself through dental school, convinced Guy to give college another try. And after receiving two rejections, Guy finally impressed the right people and returned to UMKC.

He graduated from the dental school in 1978 and began practicing in various spots throughout the Kansas City area, starting his own clinics.

But he hardly fit the mold of a career man. Guy would wear pink pants and clogs to work on occasion, shirking the white shirt-and-tie tradition associated with the profession. Berets weren’t off limits either for Guy, and when it did come time to dress up, he opted for a bow tie.

His financial success merely enabled him to expand his generosity, not his square footage.

“He didn’t wear that doctor title on his sleeve. To see the way he lived and the cars he drove, it never said, ‘I’m a doctor,’” Dan said. “All it did was allow him the financial resources to give back ... to the people who needed it.”

When childhood friends faced eviction, Guy wrote a check, no questions asked. When he read about a boy in Plattsburg, Mo., who was battling cancer, Guy sent money. Then there was the girl who needed stem cell surgery. And on it goes.

For those who needed care, not money, Guy provided for them, as well. His mentor, Dr. Butterworth, came down with Alzheimer’s. Guy cared for the man he considered a second father — grooming him, taking care of finances and eating with him every Sunday at Harmer’s Restaurant in Edgerton, Mo.

Each year, Guy closed his dental clinic and went on a mission trip to Jamaica to offer free dental care. He also recruited other doctors for the annual trips.

When Dan and his wife of 26 years divorced, his brother invited Dan to live with him. Dan eventually moved out after five years, only to return when Guy developed brain cancer. But even in those final months and weeks, Guy’s mission never shifted inward.

During Guy’s 26-month battle with cancer, he ordered his brother to keep $1,000 in a drawer in his house each week. Most weeks, Guy gave it all away.

“He was taking care of them when we were doing our best to take care of him, “ Dan said.

On Thursday, Dan found Guy’s wallet and read the note his brother reviewed daily. He found the note in its customary spot, but not the money.

R.J. Cooper can be reached

at rjcooper@npgco.com.