Richard "Dick" Kun

1940 - 2016

September 21, 1940 - November 27, 2016 One of California's most iconic and influential businessman of the past half century, and one of the nation's most innovative and successful ski resort developers died this past weekend. Richard 'Dick' Kun, former Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of Snow Summit Ski Corporation and one of the true visionaries of the American Ski Industry, passed away on November 27 in Big Bear Lake after a lengthy battle with Parkinson's Disease. His family and his close friends were at his side when he passed peacefully at home. Born in Lacrosse, Wisconsin, Kun moved to Big Bear Lake at the age of eight with his mother and father, Tommi and Jo Tyndall, founders of Snow Summit. An avid intellect, Kun pursued a life in academia at University of Colorado Boulder. His dream was to become a university history professor. With the tragic death of Tommi in 1964, he left his masters program to return home to help manage the struggling resort with his mother, Jo. Under Kun's stewardship, Snow Summit, and later Bear Mountain, and Sierra Summit (China Peak) grew to help California become a global outdoor recreation destination. Kun was a world leader in resort innovations; the long list includes initiating the first lift-served summer biking operations, hosting the first X-games, and creating the first snow board park. Kun was named State of California's Innovator of the Year. His significant impact and contribution to the ski industry was honored by the National Ski Areas Association with their Lifetime Achievement Award. His work in the ski industry is matched by his contribution to his community and it's people. He co-founded the Big Bear Resort Association; had an active leadership role serving the Big Bear Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club; and greatly supported Big Bear Junior Ski Racing, among other organizations. Kun was awarded Rotary Club Eagle of Excellence and San Bernardino County Award of Leadership. In addition to his industry and community leadership, Kun was an accomplished athlete in sailing, basketball, tennis, mountain biking, and skiing. Kun met his wife Jennifer Lynne at Snow Summit and they married in 1985. They had two children, Alexander Tyndall, 31, and Dominique, 30, who were both raised in Big Bear Lake and became two of the top junior ski racers nationally. He is survived by his wife and children. Memorial services to be held on Saturday, December 17, 2016 at 3pm at Big Bear Lake Convention Center, 42900 W. Big Bear Blvd. Big Bear Lake, CA 92315.