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Richard S. Paegelow
Richard S. Paegelow
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Richard Paegelow Obituary
Richard S. Paegelow passed away peacefully at the Kaiser Permanente Hospital in Los Angeles after his 78th birthday, following a courageous battle with melanoma. He was lovingly cared for and comforted by his devoted partner of 38 years, Christopher Tang.
Richard's life was a testament to intellectual curiosity and boundless generosity. He was born in Wisconsin and soon moved to Kansas City, Missouri where he attended grade school at Calvary Lutheran. The Paegelow Family next moved to Emporia, Kansas where Richard attended high school. He excelled scholastically and was a member of the debate and golf teams. He earned both his B.A. (Spanish and Latin American studies) and M.A. (Political Science) from the University of Kansas, and his M.B.A. at Columbia University. A Fulbright Scholar at the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador and a lecturer at the National Autonomous University of Mexico, Richard's academic and cultural experiences shaped a lifelong commitment to international education.
Professionally, Richard's career spanned both corporate leadership and entrepreneurial success. He served as Vice President at First Interstate Bank, where he was known for his integrity and strategic insight. He later founded and led Inline Translation Services for over 30 years, a multilingual agency that showcased his passion for language and cross-cultural corporate communication.
Richard was fluent in English, Spanish, Portuguese, German, and Italian. His linguistic talents enriched his extensive travel across North America, Asia, Europe, Latin America, Australia, and New Zealand-journeys he shared with his partner Chris. Together, they explored the world with curiosity and joy, building a life rich in discovery, shared purpose, and enduring friendships forged across continents.
Despite his global outlook, Richard remained deeply rooted in his community. He volunteered tirelessly, serving as Treasurer of the Los Angeles Tennis Association (LATA), President of his Homeowners Association in Northridge, and Chair and Board Member of the International Advisory Board at the University of Kansas. His leadership was marked by humility, diligence, and a deep commitment to civic responsibility.
Richard's philanthropic spirit was profound. Though personally frugal, he gave generously to causes he cherished. He funded study-abroad scholarships at the University of Kansas, supported cancer research at his alma mater, and contributed to the Smithsonian Institute and its Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. His philanthropy reflected a deep belief in education, science, and global stewardship.
Richard, a passionate tennis player, found joy and camaraderie on and off the court playing in LATA leagues and GLTA tournaments for over 35 years. He was admired for his quiet confidence, steadfast loyalty to friends and family, and deep devotion to his partner, Chris.
Richard is survived by his beloved partner Christopher Tang, his brother Alan, his sister-in-law Janet, and three nieces. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the communities he strengthened, and the world he helped make more connected and compassionate.
No formal memorial service is planned. Richard will be resting alongside his beloved parents, George and Vivian Paegelow, at Johnson County Memorial Gardens in Overland Park, Kansas.
In lieu of flowers, his partner kindly suggests donations be made to any cancer research organization in honor of Richard's enduring spirit and commitment to making a difference.
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David Crocker
August 11, 2025
Richard was my best friend and my brother of choice. We talked about everything and did a lot of things together. I could always pick up the phone or visit and we'd discuss work, relationships, business issues and world affairs. His relationship with Chris was amazing and they really complimented each other. Richard and I visited the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama discovering the incredible research projects. It inspired me to also create a fund for the establishment of a trust for LGBTQ history. Together with Chris and Richard, I was honored to join them and visit London twice we also went to Wimbledon. Richard was also my tennis opponent and partner. We played doubles together in many GLTA and LATA tournaments. I really do miss the time I spent with him. But, his insights, his solid work ethic, his morality all continue to have an impact on me (as well as other people). I really miss you Richard. [the first photo was from 2006 maybe a couple years after I me Richard. We visited the Reagan Library with Asians and Friends group.]
David Crocker
August 11, 2025
Michael Thomas
August 10, 2025
Hi Chris. My deepest condolences to you. Richard's great sense of humor and smile always made me chuckle. Especially when he would fire his down-the-line shots past me while I was standing at the net. :) I hope you will continue to play with the group when you have time. We all loved you both and would look forward to seeing you.
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Sherman Sylvan
August 10, 2025
Richard had such passion for tennis. He'd get upset at a missed shot he thought he should have made, and be elated when the ball did exactly what he wanted it to do. But most importantly, always a good sport, win or lose.
Saturday tennis has lost a wonderful person.
Chris, please be kind to yourself. Looking forward to seeing you out on the courts.
Frank Devlin
August 10, 2025
Richard was a great tennis buddy. We played several SeeSaw seasons and occasional Saturday mornings. We shared an enjoyment of competition and the simple casualness of Saturday morning doubles. Even just as buddies, he brought some happiness into my world.
Always remembering,
Frank Devlin
Joe VandenBussche
August 10, 2025
Chris,
I am so sorry for your loss. You and Richard have been an important part of our Saturday morning tennis group. I look back fondly at the great conversations and laughs we´ve shared on and off the tennis court. Richard was always upbeat, bringing great sportsmanship and kindness to our group. We will all miss him.
Mike Cai
August 10, 2025
These are the photos Ive found. Richard helped me win my only main draw trophy with Chris cheering and supporting us! Richard was such a great friend and mentor on and off the court. I will always remember you as my first friend from Glendale!
Bill Anderson
August 9, 2025
I am humbled and most grateful to have enjoyed many decades of close friendship with Richard. and Chris. In 1983 we met when we both lived in Boston. We discovered our shared Midwestern roots and financial backgrounds and became fast friends. In 1986, he migrated to CA and eventually most of our East coast friends followed. Shortly after that, Chris came into his life and became one of my most trusted friends, as well.
Richard, I'll always remember you fondly for your sharp intellect, keen sense of humor, and steadfast loyalty as a trusted friend. Gracious!
Thom Arias-Daniels
August 4, 2025
Dear Chris,
Rameses and I cannot begin to comprehend the depth of your loss. Since 1988, the memories I´ve shared with you and Richard are too numerous to count-dinners at your home, workouts at the gym, thoughtful lunches, parties, and unforgettable getaways like Big Bear in 2006. We shared so many rich conversations about politics, travel, and life itself.
Over the years, Rameses and I have truly cherished celebrating birthdays, our wedding, and so many other special moments with you and Richard. Through it all, Richard was a dear and constant friend-someone whose warmth, humor, and presence made a lasting impression on me. I can only imagine how deeply he shaped and enriched your life over nearly 40 years together.
I will miss him profoundly-and in many ways, I know I´ll always feel him with us.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Thom and Remy
Benoit Jadoul
July 28, 2025
August 1972. My plane lands at JFK. Mission: getting an MBA at Columbia University.
One of the very first people I met was Richard Paegelow. Right away he struck me as the "Typical American" as perceived by Europeans: tall; strongly build; blond hair, welcoming and friendly; affable and outgoing; with a twinkle in the eye and an easy quip on the lips.
Barely knowing one another, we decided to partner on a term paper for one of our classes. We divided the research, agreed on an outline, and split the writing of the paper. But Richard, the ultimate perfectionist, was somewhat frazzled by my command (or lack thereof) of the English language. He ever-so-gently waved his magic wand to morph my Belgian English into Kansas English. To this day, I am convinced that this is the reason we got an A on that paper.
At one point, we had different opinions about a section of the paper. Neither of us wanted to budge. I told Richard: "I feel strongly about that. I am going to persevere. I won´t let go." Without batting an eye, but with a warm smile on his face and mischief in his voice, Richard said: "Oh, Benoît, admit it, you are just a persistent little b..." We both cracked up laughing. Only Richard could say that in such a jocular and friendly way that it felt like a compliment. In the following years, we often and happily referred to that title of nobility he had slapped on my forehead.
During our spring break at the Business School, he invited me to spend some time with his family in Kansas City. Yes, Richard introduced me to America´s amber waves of grain. Was it Overland Park? Or Shawnee Mission? I may not remember the name of the place, yet I will never forget the great introduction to both America´s heartland and warm American hospitality.
After Columbia, I visited him in Mexico City where he worked as a Ford Foundation fellow, and in Boston, where he earned his stripes as a banker. Eventually, Richard relocated to Los Angeles, where he started a successful translation business. Over the years, we stayed in touch and followed one another´s professional journey. We both developed a tradition: writing a year-end report for friends and family. Each year, I received his summary of the year, which included several travel pictures, and I sent him my `year in review.´ We spoke twice or thrice a year on the phone. That may not seem very much, but we may have set several Guinness Book records in the category `longest phone calls ever.´
His departure was so sudden and totally unexpected. To his partner of many years, Christopher Tang, I offer my most sincere condolences and my warmest wishes for strength and serenity in this difficult transition.
I will always remember Richard as a tolerant and open-minded person, welcoming people from all nations, races, religions, philosophies, and live styles, and driven by a keen sense of equity and justice. He was unconditionally loyal to his friends and always concerned about the wellbeing of the less fortunate. He was a giver, not a taker.
Thank you, Richard, for being such a great and faithful friend. May you rest in peace, and know that you will always, always be in the heart and mind of that "persistent little b...."
Ameerah Haq
July 26, 2025
I was very sorry to hear about Richard's passing. We were in International House in New York in 1972-73. I remember hanging out with him, Benoit Jadoul and others in the main lobby or cafeteria, discussing so many interesting topics. I kept up with his news through Benoit. My deepest condolences to Chris and members of his family. May his legacy live on.
Prashant Chintapalli
July 13, 2025
I pray that Richard's soul rests in peace, and that his family and friends find the strength to overcome this profound loss. I had the privilege of meeting Richard once, and I found him to be a true gentleman who was kind, gracious, and warm. I will always remember his generosity when he welcomed me into his home for lunch.
Ben Fahimnia
July 13, 2025
I am so shocked and saddened by this. We had such a great time together in Sydney earlier this year, and in the short time I got to know Richard, I found him to be one of those rare people you instantly warm to. He was cool, kind, flexible, creative, and just effortlessly charming. This was no surprise at all that Chris chose him as his partner... they were such a beautiful match.
Your love for each other was so natural, and honestly one of the sweetest things I have seen in a long time. Richard, you made a real impact on us in just a short visit, and that is something special.
Rest easy, beautiful soul. You left a mark, and your spirit will be remembered. I just hope Chris finds strength, love, and new meaning in life after this.... because you two built something beautiful together that deserves to be carried forward.
Raul Dominguez
July 3, 2025
Bye Richard, until we meet again!
Vince Shawver
June 27, 2025
Alan, so sorry to read about Richard´s passing today. Our brothers were Phi Delt pledges at KU in fall, 1965, as we were Phi Delt pledges in fall, 1969. And my dad knew your dad in the car business. I´m in Olathe. Hope to cross paths soon. Yours in the bond. Vince.
Susan Penny Schmidt
June 26, 2025
Dear Chris, Alan & Family,
Your grief must be great at the untimely death of Richard. Please know that I will miss him, & will keep you all in my thoughts & prayers, especially during your immediate processing of his death. The loss of someone you love leaves a hole no one else can fill, and the pattern of thinking, " I must tell Richard about this!", will be met with the realization that he´s no longer there. I´m very thankful Richard & I reconnected first through the Emporia High class reunions, then mother & I shared time with him during some of his Lawrence trips for KU international committee responsibilities! It was fun growing up across the street from Richard & all the Paegelows in Emporia. My 7 Penny family members had nothing but the warmest relationship with Richard & family, & have some great memories of each of them. We send our love! Susan Penny Schmidt
chris tang
June 25, 2025
CountryClub 2023 palm springs
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June 25, 2025
Zurich 2024
chris tang
June 25, 2025
London in 2024
Chris Tang
June 25, 2025
london 2024
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