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Richard Lee Ducommun

FUNERAL HOME

Swan-Law Funeral Directors

501 North Cascade Avenue

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Richard Ducommun Obituary

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.

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Published by The Gazette on Feb. 20, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Ducommun

13 Entries

You will be missed Mr. Ducommun

Marner Campbell

January 15, 2014

So sorry to hear about Dick Ducommun--I enjoyed his company when I attended him as a caretaker with one of the local agencies in Colorado Springs...I will always remember his kindness and our conversations. I just found out about his passing today on Jan 8, 2014. I send my late condolences to his families and Linda Lemieux. Marner Campbell Benjamin ( Florence, Co)

Colonel John Eidsmoe

April 18, 2013

Dick, You and I were best friends from our earliest days at Whittier Elementary School in Sioux City, and on through East Junior, East High, college, and adulthood. You always had a positive word for me, and when I told you I wasn't hearing the Gospel at my church, you introduced me to Washington Heights Chapel and a new life in Christ. Your life was filled to overflowing with your love for your family, your friends, your country, and your Lord. Rest well, and we'll share some good walks and good talks in the Garden of the Lord.

March 1, 2013

Dick did a tremendous job planning our families Spring break trips. We were never disappointed. He was always right on with his advice. And he was such a gentleman. May he rest in peace. Mike and Sheila Brown

Kenneth Dandurand

February 27, 2013

I went to school with "Dick" in Sioux City. He was a very friendly person back then, and apparently he never changed his ways. What really bothers me is that he lived here in the Springs, and I never knew it. Viya Con Dios Compadre.

February 24, 2013

Oh Dick! I loved you from the first minute we met...kindred spirits indeed! My dear friend, you fought a long, hard battle valiantly! My life was blessed by your friendship, you were always in my prayers. My heart aches to learn, only at this late dat of your untimely passing. Rest well in the hands of our precious Lord my friend! You were not ours to keep...!
Love you forever!
Patti Dickman

Marie Peterson

February 23, 2013

I am so sorry to read about Dick's passing. What a fine gentleman he was; so kind and intelligent. I used to book my airline flights through him when I was traveling quite a bit. Colorado Springs has lost a wonderful individual. May he rest in peace

Will Lamdin

February 23, 2013

I'm so sorry to hear about Dick's passing. In the early 1980s Dick and his friend Del would stop by my office at Columbia Savings. We became friends and I always looked forward to chatting with them about what was going on in our lives. I lost contact with both of these friends. Dick was a very kind and thoughtful man in every way. It was a pleasure and privilege to know him. My sincere condolences to Dick's family and loved ones.

Richard taking a picture of Brian and Steve at the Alma Cabin with mine in the background

Steve & Brian Dafoe/Guthals

February 21, 2013

Richard's smile and kind touch will be missed by the entire community.

Linda Marsh

February 21, 2013

To the family and Friends of Mr. Duccommun, I had the privilege to be one of his caregivers when he first came home from the hospital. I have seen him over the years and was always inspired by his spirit and attitude about life. Always willing to try anything that was asked of him even when he was tired.He enjoyed life and his family and friends, and most of all Hola. I thank you for allowing me to be part of your life and learning how to accept the things we cannot change, accept the things we can change, and the wisdom to know the difference.RIP, Mr. Ducommun! Love, Linda Marsh CNA RMA

Susan Sanchez

February 21, 2013

Richard, you will not be forgotten by those of us who were awed by your inspiration. You are awesome. I will never forget our times in the pool, our stimulating conversations and your foresight into the future. Thanks so much for everything. You will be missed.

Tim Coy

February 20, 2013

Dick and my dad, Del Coy, who was 32 years older, were good friends and business partners in mining ventures. Just recently I was going through some of my late father's papers and found Dick's name on many of them.

Rest in peace and hope you and Dad find that million-dollar gold vein you sought for years!

Jim VanderWal and Penny Kimmel

February 20, 2013

You were a wonderful neighbor, friend and travel agent and you will be missed.

Amanda Duke

February 19, 2013

Richard was one of the most kind, caring and all around generous people I have known. I knew him for only a short time but in that time he showed more grace then I ever thought one person capable of. I will miss the conversations we had, the quiet moments we shared and most of all Richard's whole face lighting up when his beloved Hola was by his side. Gone but not forgotten, I will see you in the little things that make life beautiful.

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