Richard Jon Agee

1953 - 2023

BORN

1953

DIED

2023

Richard Agee Obituary

Agee
Richard Jon Agee
May 2, 1953
April 30, 2023

Richard was born May 2, 1953 in Oakland, California, and grew up in neighboring Castro Valley. He grew up specializing in classical piano, and attended the University of California, Berkeley, where he graduated with a degree in Music as a Regent's Scholar and with Phi Beta Kappa honors. He earned a Masters' degree and Ph.D. in Music at Princeton University and spent the 1981-82 academic year as Visiting Assistant Professor at Reed College in Portland, Oregon. He then joined the faculty of Colorado College in the Music Department where he served until 2015.
Richard was a skilled craftsman, building his own harpsichords and spinets and decorating them with paintings of his precious kitties. He was a great cook, specializing in Italian cooking, duck, and goose.
At Colorado College, he taught music history (before 1750), theory (counterpoint and harmony), and literature (Beethoven, Opera, The Operas of Verdi, Wagner's Ring, The Symphony, etc.). His research interests included music printing and publishing during the Renaissance, music patronage during the same period, and the transmission of Gregorian chant in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. His book The Gardano Music Printing Firms, 1569-1611, was published by the University of Rochester Press in 1998. In his spare time, he accompanied the Colorado College Chamber orchestra, Chamber Chorus, and the Collegium Musicum with harpsichord and organ basso continuo.
Richard retired in 2015 and moved full-time into his penthouse condominium in Denver. In 2017, he moved to assisted living at Sunrise Senior Living, Cherry Creek, where his Italian cooking skills were once again on display. He passed away peacefully on April 30, 2023, and leaves behind a sister, Linda Michele, of Valley Village, California, a brother and sister-in-law, James and Wendy Agee of Woodinville, Washington, a nephew, Jules Agee of Kirkland, Washington, and a niece, Suzanne Ashworth of Granite Falls, Washington.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to his favorite classical music station, Cheyenne Mountain Public Broadcast House, Inc., 1921 N. Weber Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80907.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Gazette on May 3, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Agee

5 Entries

Steven Michael Mascaro

August 22, 2023

Richard was a great guy. I loved his wide ranging of knowledge in so many areas. We especially shared our love of music especially the operas of Verdi. We both loved the movies of Hitchcock. As well as so many other films. It was a joy to know him. I adopted his beloved Maine Coon Cat named Casey. He is a great companion for me! My sympathies to the entire family. Sincerely, Steve

Nate Lions

July 16, 2023

Richard was an incredible, kind, patient, and empowering man. I'm forever grateful for my studies with him at Colorado College, where I struggled until he took me under his wing. I spent hours after class with him in his office learning the fundamentals of music theory, composition, and counterpoint. I never believed I had the ability to do these things and be a successful music major until I met Richard. After my classes and private tutoring with Richard, my academic achievements and grades skyrocketed. Richard believed in me and showed me kindness and patience when others didn't. I'm now a successful professional touring musician and teacher and I wouldn't be who I am today without his help. Thank you Richard, may you rest in peace.
Forever Grateful,
Nate Lions

Arthur Habighorst

July 16, 2023

Richard was a teacher of mine at Colorado College. He taught me many things, but most memorable were "anti-penultimate, penultimate, and ultimate" usage, and lots about Opera :). Our class went to see Eugene Onegin in Denver; a fun outing. He was a good person and great professor. May he rest in peace.

George L. Cruz

May 9, 2023

I knew Richard since 1984. Richard was my intellectual friend. A great cook, a person to travel with. I learned opera, became a foodie with him. Finally he will rest in peace. Your only friend, George

Victoria Hansen

May 6, 2023

Richard Agee was a music colleague whose knowledge and studies covered a wide range of subjects. He once regaled me with a mini-lesson on Dante´s Inferno upon seeing whatever music I was checking out of the library at the time. I found it entertaining as well as helpful. He was an enthusiastic scholar and excellent cook. He had a funny wit and made keen observations. He was a supportive colleague and a committed professor. On behalf of Stephen Scott and myself, thank you, Richard, for your contributions to this world.

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