Richard "Dick" Allen Kusk

     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.