Richard P. Gurski

Richard P. Gurski

May 31, 2024

Shawnee, Kansas - Richard P. Gurski, 71, of Shawnee, KS died Friday May 31, 2024. Visitation will be from 9:30-10:30 AM followed by the Funeral Mass at 10:30 AM Saturday June 15th, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 11311 Johnson Drive Shawnee, KS. In lieu of flowers the family suggest memorial contributions to St. Joseph Catholic Church or St. John the Baptist Catholic Church 708 N. 4th St. Kansas City, Kansas 66101.

Rick was born April 5th, 1953, in Long Beach, CA. Shortly after the family moved to the Kansas City area where he spent the rest of his life. On August 24th, 1983, he married the love of his life Mary and enjoyed many happy years together.

Rick was very service minded always helping others. Volunteering much of his time. His heart was so big and generous he could not help it. He wanted to share the knowledge and skills he learned with others of all ages. He owned and operated the KCK Karate School for many years. He especially enjoyed teaching youth at the crossroads of their lives and built their confidence which helped them to make smart choices. This leadership and involvement in the community was recognized by others and later he was asked to teach Karate at Southwest Boulevard Family Health Care where he continued his involvement with youth. Vision Security was an alarm company built by Rick. He served many customers and only charged what they could afford. He was always in business to serve others.

Rick had many passions. He was an avid tennis player and won many tournaments. Disc Golf was another sport he loved and played often. He was responsible for the care of Westheight disc golf course, volunteering his time. Rick taught many others the techniques and love of Disc Golf again sharing his knowledge and skills. The guitar was another passion of Rick's. Electric or Acoustic did not matter he played them both and until recently continued taking lessons. The Chiefs and Royals have always been Rick's teams. In 1970 he went door to door selling Chiefs Superbowl Champion license plates and 50 years later he saw them win again. He was beyond excited with the most recent Superbowl back-to-back wins. He was hopeful for the Royals chances this year starting off with such a good season. Especially after watching them in several World Series. He was an avid cook preparing wonderful meals for himself and Mary. His favorite foods were Mexican, Italian and BBQ.

Rick's biggest passion was helping others. Mowing lawns, electrical work, volunteering, and doing anything that was needed. One never had to ask because he was already doing it. The family has enjoyed hearing many stories from different folks of the deeds that Rick performed lovingly for others. He gave of himself to help everyone. All will greatly miss his presence.

He was preceded in death by his mother Mildred Baxter, brother Michael MacMillan, and son Doug Maples. He is survived by his wife Mary B. Gurski, brother Bobby Gurski, sisters Lisa (Jim) Park, Jennifer (Joshua) Varnal, stepfather Bob Baxter and many extended family and friends. (Arrangements: Porter Funeral Homes & Crematory)