Tom Klapp, DC, a prominent figure in chiropractic for four decades, both on the national scene and in his home state of Michigan, passed away on Dec. 14, 2020 at the age of 66.
Dr. Klapp practiced in Ann Arbor, Mich., following his graduation from Life University in 1979 and was former president of the Michigan Chiropractic Association, which merged to unify the state's two previous associations (the MCA and the Michigan Chiropractic Council) in 2007 to form the Michigan Association of Chiropractors (MAC).
Dr. Klapp was a driving force behind the merger, as well as the MAC's class-action lawsuits against Blue Cross / Blue Shield – believed to be the first such cases in the nation to achieve class-action status.
On a national level, he served as a board member of the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress, a trustee for Life University, and a member of the Chiropractic Summit representing Life U. He formerly served as president of the Congress of Chiropractic State Associations (ChiroCongress), chair of the Michigan Board of Chiropractic and board member of the International Chiropractors Association.
"A true leader, Dr. Klapp was known for continuously giving back to the chiropractic profession," said Kent S. Greenawalt, chairman of the F4CP, noting that "Dr. Klapp was one of the very first gold members of the Foundation, joining back in 2007 when the Foundation had really just begun its journey to educate the public about chiropractic. His true sense of selflessness and generosity never went unnoticed."
Dr. Klapp is survived by wife Kim and daughter Tori. Said Kim: "He was such a brilliant light in this world, visionary in the chiropractic profession, dedicated teacher and amazing adjustor of countless patients in his 40 years of chiropractic practice, tremendously gifted speaker and writer, beloved father to Tori, in addition to being my partner, lover and best friend. A man of profound intelligence and integrity, he walked his talk of Life University's Lasting Purpose: to give, to do, to love and to serve out of sense of abundance. He will be dearly missed."
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dr. Tom Klapp Memorial Scholarship.
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