Richard Michael Kuch

1944 - 2025

Richard Michael Kuch left this earth peacefully on Friday, September 5, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with prostate cancer. He was surrounded by his loving family.

Richard was the second-born identical twin of George and Nellie Kuch. He and his brother Ronald were born on March 12, 1944, in Bismarck, ND. Richard told everyone he was the best looking. Richard grew up in Forsyth, Montana, and graduated from Forsyth High School in 1962. He went on to earn his BS degree in Pharmacy from North Dakota State University.

After graduating from NDSU, Richard moved to Tri-Cities, Washington with brother; and most of the family followed. The twins began their career as pharmacists. He met his "first wife" Marlene Hughes, a bank teller working next door at NBC bank. They purchased their home and later fulfilled their dream of owning and operating their own independent pharmacy, Prescription Pharmacy, in 1971. Richard is known for his dedication to his customers, he was loved for the way he made everyone feel at home- always with a toothpick in his mouth, a smile on his face, and a story to share. He would answer the pharmacy phone saying, "how can I be helped?"

Board member and secretary for Benton Franklin, fair and rodeo.

Board member for Tri-Cities, diabetic Association and on physician recruiting team for Kadlec Medical Center.

Enjoyed the outdoors, horses, 4-wheelers, tractors and helping out at his in-law's farm. Spent summers trail riding horseback with Dr. Scott Williams, Jack Williams, David Alme and Buzz.

Built a cabin on a family land in Dayton, WA with Patty and Keith Miland.

Beyond his work and family, Richard has a passion for restoring and touring antique cars. They took many summer road trips with the Ye Olde Car Club. Richard took pride in driving couples after their wedding or school dances in his prized Packard or Model T. He also enjoyed woodworking and refinishing tools. He also found great joy in tending his lawn and grapes, where his patience and hard work created beauty and peace. And the best lawn on Holly Street.

He will be interned and laid to rest at Sunset Memorial Garden. The family will plan a small private celebration.

Our Papa Richard is survived by his devoted wife, Marlene; his daughter, Keri (Greg) Henley, and granddaughter Averi; and his son, Jason (Ashley) Kuch, and grandchildren Trenton, Hannah, Liam, Paisley, and Klyde. He is also survived by his sisters, Eileen Donley (Doug) and Judy Amacker; and by his niece and nephew, Rob Kuch and Rhonda (Bryan) Colley, along with their children, Colin, Christian, Garrett, and Trista.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Tri-Cities Chaplaincy Hospice. Their team provided the most amazing care during his final weeks.

Richard Michael Kuch