Richard Lee Ducommun, 67, of Colorado Springs, CO, went to be with our Lord on February 13, after a seven-year battle with a brain glioma.
Richard was born in Sioux City, Iowa, the third son of Leslie Frank and Frances Hurd Ducommun. Dick was raised in Sioux City. He spent his summers in Colorado Springs and Alma, Colorado with his parents and brothers Paul and Dennis. After graduating from Morningside College in Sioux City in 1968, Ducommun taught Spanish and business in junior and senior high schools in Sioux Falls, SD and Monument, CO. He received an Honorary Doctorate from Morningside in 2008.
Dick enjoyed traveling the world and helping others plan
cruises and trips of their dreams as owner/operator of the Travel Bug agency in Colorado Springs.
A life-long community volunteer and supporter of education and the arts, Ducommun was a member of Centennial Sertoma Club and one of the founders of the Children's Museum of Colorado Springs. He served as president of the Friends of the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum and on numerous non-profit boards, including the Colorado Springs Dance Theatre and Colorado Springs Opera. A proud "Woodstocker" and advocate for peace and civil rights, Ducommun was a Silver Life member of the NAACP. He was a member of First Congregational United Church of Christ.
Richard is survived by his nephew Todd (wife Julie,) and their children Austin and Brittany, and great, great niece Annabelle; niece Dawn and her children Gary, Kristine (husband Michael,) Erin and Erica, and great, great nephew Braylon Paul; niece Paula (husband David,) and their daughter Maddie; nephew Scott (wife Christina,) and their daughter Isabella; niece Aimee (husband Atticus,) and their children Van and Kaja Mae; maternal aunts Helen and Helene and a host of favorite cousins; sisters-in-law Shirley and Jeanni Ducommun; long-time friend Linda LeMieux and Yorkie HOLA.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Paul and Dennis.
Richard will be remembered as a true, trusted friend, wonderful uncle and caring brother and son.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: First Congregational Church, Children & Youth Ministries, 20 East Saint Vrain St., Colorado Springs CO 80903; Morningside College, Richard L. Ducommun
Scholarship Fund, 1501 Morningside Ave., Sioux City, IA 51106; Western Museum of Mining & Industry , Burro Fund, 225 North Gate Rd., Colorado Springs, CO 80921; or another charity of choice.
A memorial service will be held at 10am, Saturday, February 23 at First Congregational Church in Colorado Springs. Public visitation: Friday, February 22 6:30-8 pm Swan-Law Funeral Home. Burial: Memorial Park Cemetery, Sioux City, Iowa.
John Eidsmoe
Dick and I were close friends from our earliest days at Whittier School, East Junior, East High, college, and throughout adulthood. I'll always remember the long walks, bike rides, and conversations we shared over the years. His life overflowed with his love of his family, his friends, his community, his country, and his God. When I told his I wasn't hearing the Gospel at my church, his introduced me to Washington Heights Chapel and new life in Christ.
The last time we talked in summer 2012, Dick urgently asked me whether East High would have a 50-year reunion, and he expressed his love for his classmates and his desire to attend if possible. Rest well, Dick. We will miss you at this reunion, and I will never forget you. I look forward to infinite long walks and long talks in the Gardens of the Lord