Richard Sassoon

1934 - 2017

Richard Lawrence Sassoon, from Boulder, CO, died on July 5 in his home. He was 83. Born on June 6, 1934 in Paris, France, Richard and his family moved to the U.S. in 1939. He graduated from Yale University in 1955. During the 1960s, he lived in the San Francisco Bay area and was involved in various theatrical productions—writing, directing, and managing several companies. He moved to Boulder in 1975, where he counseled students and taught meditation at Naropa Institute (now University) and Karma Dzong (now the Shambhala Center). He and his ex-wife, Johanna Alper, were married in 1978 and had one child, David Sassoon, born in 1979. Richard was a practiced meditator, painter, writer, and a quintessential philosopher. He was a passionate conversationalist, cherished his friendships, and was a champion for authenticity and the rights of the individual. He is survived by his son, David Sassoon, and his nephew, John Amen, as well as a broad community of kindred souls. A celebration of Richard's life, relationships, and creativity is scheduled to be held on September 9 at a Boulder venue to be determined. For additional information regarding the September 9 gathering, please contact John Amen at pedmagazine@carolina.rr.com. (Photo courtesy of Robert Chastain)