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Richard Allen Kusk
1943 - 2025
BORN
1943
DIED
2025
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Richard Kusk Obituary
Richard "Dick" Allen
Kusk
November 16, 1943
October 31, 2025
Richard (Dick) Allen Kusk, 81, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Friday, October 31, 2025.
Richard was born in Elgin, Illinois, on November 16, 1943, and was a devoted husband, father, and respected figure in the local music community.
Dick dedicated over 40 years to music education, serving as a beloved band and orchestra teacher in Colorado Springs School District 11 at Holmes Middle School, Doherty High School, and Coronado High School. His impact extended well beyond the classroom walls. For many years, he was deeply involved with the Colorado Springs Youth Symphony Association, where he inspired countless young musicians as the conductor of the Pikes Peak Winds and the Ovation Orchestra. His passion for teaching and conducting touched the lives of generations of students.
He was a highly respected figure in the state's music community and was honored with Hall of Fame selections by the following organizations: the Colorado Bandmasters Association (CBA) in 2000, the Colorado Music Educators Association (CMEA) in 2001, and Phi Beta Mu (International Bandmasters Fraternity) in 2001.
Richard and his first wife, Mary Lu, were also instrumental in the Colorado Ambassadors of Music program. Together, they organized and led countless performance tours to Europe for hundreds of students, enriching their lives with European culture and the invaluable experience of performing music on an international stage.
He shared 57 wonderful years of marriage with his first wife, Mary Lu Kusk (Miller), before her passing in April 2022. He found love again and was married to Louise Holtcamp in June 2024, sharing 17 cherished months together.
Richard is survived by his loving wife, Louise Holtcamp; his daughter Kristi Davis (Kusk) and her partner, Josh Marlow; his son Richard Kusk and his wife Roberta Kusk (Weaver); and his sister-in-law Judy Kusk. He was the proud grandfather of two grandchildren, Kinsey Davis and Chance Davis.
A memorial service celebrating Dick's life will be held on Friday, November 14, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. at Village Seven Presbyterian Church, 4040 Nonchalant Circle South, Colorado Springs, CO, 80917.
For those unable to attend in person, a live stream of the service will be available at the following link: https://boxcast.tv/view/richard-kusk-memorial-service-jdbyd334qxqvtrmoohdu
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Colorado Springs Youth Symphony Association dedicated toward the Richard Kusk Scholarship Fund.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memorial Events
for Richard Kusk
Funeral services provided by:
All Veterans Funeral & Cremation - Colorado Springs1020 E Fillmore Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80907
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Kusk
4 Entries
Michael A. Gallegos, Doherty High School Class of 1980
November 9, 2025
Michael A. Gallegos, Doherty High School Class of 1980
November 8, 2025
In Memory of Mr. Kusk.
It´s hard to put into words the impact Mr. Kusk had on my life. As my Doherty High School band teacher during 1978-1980. He was far more than an instructor, he was a mentor, a guide, and a steady presence during a time when I was still figuring out who I was.
Mr. Kusk taught us to appreciate and embrace music, yes, but more importantly, he taught us how to listen. He showed us that harmony wasn´t just about notes blending together, but about people supporting one another. He believed in the power of friendship, and he made our band room a place where lifelong bonds were formed and still exist today. Under his direction, we became more than talented musicians, we became a family.
His guidance extended beyond rehearsals. He offered advice when life felt overwhelming, encouraged us to lift each other up, and reminded us that the best performances come from collaboration, and respect. He saw potential in each of us and helped us see it too.
I´ll always remember the way he smiled when we excelled at a concert performance, mastered a technical musical score, won first place at the Colorado Bandmasters Association (CBA) statewide marching band competition, or how he´d pause rehearsals to share a story that somehow made everything feel lighter when things felt challenging. His legacy lives on in every friendship he helped foster, every lesson he taught, and every life he touched throughout his exemplary career in music.
Thank you, Mr. Kusk, for the music, the mentorship, and the many fond memories. You will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.
Debi Krause-Reinsch
November 8, 2025
It was such a pleasure working with Dick at the Youth Symohony. He was the ultimate professional while being kind and very funny with the musicians and co-workers! He will be missed♥
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