PEASLEE--Richard C.
("Dick"), 86, died August 20, 2016 at his home in Seattle, WA due to complications from MS. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Dixie Peaslee, his two children, Jessica Peaslee (Wil Zogbaum) and R. Cutts Peaslee (Carolyn Dunn), grandchildren Felix, Cordelia and Gideon, and sister Lucy Dougall. Dick was born in New York City on June 13, 1930, to Amos J. and Dorothy Peaslee. He studied music at Yale (BA, Phi Beta Kappa) and Juilliard (MA, with Honors), as well as privately with Nadia Boulanger in Paris and Bill Russo in New York and London. Living on the Upper West Side for most of his life, Dick enjoyed a long and varied career as a composer, writing music for the theater, dance, instrumental concerts, television, and other commissioned performances. His best known works include the scores for the Royal Shakespeare Company's "Marat/Sade," directed by Peter Brook, Martha Clarke's "The Garden of Earthly Delights," for which he won an Obie award, and the Joseph Campbell/Bill Moyers PBS television series "The Power of Myth," for which he earned an Emmy nomination. In 1989, Lincoln Center's Composers' Showcase presented a retrospective of his career at Alice Tully Hall. Dick and Dixie moved to Seattle in 2006 and enjoyed exploring the wilderness of the Pacific Northwest. Dick's last major work, "Ahab," was performed in Seattle in 2012. Dick found countless ways to help others over the years, encouraging and mentoring young musicians and others, through teaching, volunteering, and serving on several boards. He was unfailingly supportive and generous to everyone in his extended family. A celebration of his life will be held in Seattle on October 16th, and another will be held in New York on a later date to be announced. Donations may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
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I am so sorry to hear that Dick passed away several years ago, I had no idea. I remember him warmly from so many years ago. Also dear Dixie I am so sad to hear this news and if you see this message do please contact me, I am back in NY
My profound condolences, Paul
Paul Harbutt
Friend
June 6, 2020
My very sincere and friendly condolences to Dixie and the family of Richard, a very sympathetic man and a great musician.
Maurice (from Belgium).
Maurice Creuven
October 19, 2016
I had the pleasure of knowing "Uncle Dick" through Mickleton Monthly Meeting where he occasionally would appear. I'm a contemporary of the Peaslee girls - Kate/Roxanne/Daphne/Sharon.
My parents rented "Amos Bond's" house for a number of years until they had to move shortly after I was born.
What a good family, what a nice man.
Christopher Knisely
September 29, 2016
Rarely does talent, kindness and humility come together in one person, a man such as Dick Peaslee.
Claudia Shear
September 28, 2016
Dick Peaslee was, simply put, a legend among the Baker's Dozen of Yale. I was in the group from 1987-91, and some of Dick's arrangements were still in heavy rotation; to my knowledge, they still are today.
Sending Dick's family thoughts and appreciation - BDsATB.
Peter Delevett
September 26, 2016
Thanks to Richard's inspiration for me going ahead with Get Back Your Music #GBYM, we now have an MS Center Band called Axon made up of three of us with MS and a left handed drummer/keyboardist with cerebral palsy. Here is a short band practice video of us in action https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bMrJ4a2ezqM We hope to spread awareness of neuroplasticity and the hope and grit it will bring to others with neurological conditions, musicians and non-musicians alike.
I am thankful for Richard's extensive and inspiring career and I want him to know, he played a major role in my fighting the good fight against multiple sclerosis! rest in peace Richard, and my condolences and prayers for the rest of the family!
Philip See
September 21, 2016
Richard was an inspiration: I met Richard at an MS Support group at the MS Center at Swedish in Seattle last year. I had been toying with the idea of starting a voluntary and free program called Get Back Your Music but as with any new idea, I wasn't sure whether I should pursue or not. I had just finished telling the story about how when I was diagnosed with MS in 2002, MS had left my left arm and hand too weak to play any of my musical instruments anymore and that since giving up music was not an option, I continued trying despite it and later, my strength ability came back because my brain somehow rewired itself. Just as my dad with cerebral palsy's brain did when he wanted to learn piano as a young man. After telling that story, Richard said "you mentioned you play piano as well?" I replied yes. He said "I like what you were saying about the brain rewiring itself. I think I am going to try to play piano again." Those words and the look of hope on his face inspired me to move ahead with Get Back Your Music https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_wCGLVT2JYc
Philip See
September 21, 2016
Hi Dick and to you family. what a brilliant smile! I always remember it and you. t
Thanks for bring it and yourself to our Friday M.S meetings. You were a ray of light to us. love, Terri.
September 19, 2016
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