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Richard Gugat Obituary
Richard Gugat
1942 - 2018
Richard Gugat of Colorado Springs passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on Friday, January 26th. He was born in San Francisco on January 18, 1942. The hospital room windows were covered with blackout curtains because of World War II. He spent his childhood in the Northern California area. He spent part of his childhood on a chicken ranch in the Santa Cruz county area and loved telling stories about this part of his childhood. He was a standout basketball and tennis player at Camden and Del Mar high school. He was recruited by John Wooden to play basketball at UCLA, where he also lettered in tennis with tennis great Arthur Ashe. He played on UCLA's 1962 Final Four basketball team. He earned his B.A. from San Jose State in 1965, and earned his M.A. from the University of Denver in 1972.
Rich's coaching career began in the service. He was a player-coach from 1967-1969 on the Hamilton Air Force Base California basketball team. He also coached the U.S. Air Force Academy Prep School basketball team from 1970-1972. After taking over the Air Force Academy Men's Tennis Program in 1974, Rich compiled a 730-268 record in his 35 seasons. Rich is the winningest coach in Academy history in any sport, and he ranked No. 3 among active Division I coaches in wins at the time of his retirement. He became the fourth coach in Division I history to reach the 700-win plateau. Rich was selected to the Colorado Tennis Hall of Fame in 2004, and the Air Force Academy Athletics Hall of Fame in 2017. Rich was also selected as the 1987 Western Athletic Conference coach of the year. Rich's wife and daughters incorporated tennis matches into their weekly schedule, and entertained players and their families on a regular basis. Rich often said he was grateful for the wonderful mentors the cadets were to his daughters. Rich retired as the Head Coach in the fall of 2009, and was thrilled that his favorite former player Dan Oosterhous was able to take over the role.
Rich considered Colorado Springs and the Air Force Academy home. He loved discussing sports trivia, and even at the end of his life could beat anybody in that arena. He was known for his dry wit, strong integrity, and calm, relaxed demeanor.
He is survived by his wife of 43 years Carol (Lenz), and his three daughters Cara Havenar (Steve) of Denver, Brooke Fritzsche (Boyd) of Aviana, Italy, and Paige Lenz Gugat of New York City. He enjoyed his three grandchildren, Reed and Calvin Havenar and Jane Fritzsche. He is also survived by his siblings Brian Gugat, Kevin Gugat, Laura Gugat, and Mary Lou Gillespie. He is preceded in death by his parents Fred and Louise Gugat, and his brother Terry Gugat.
Rich courageously battled Parkinson's for 13 years. The family has designated the Colorado Parkinson Foundation as their charity of choice: 1155 Kelly Johnson Blvd Suite 111 Colorado Springs, CO 80920. A viewing and rosary service will be held at Swan Law Funeral Home on Thursday, February 1st from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM. The funeral service will be held at the Air Force Academy Catholic Chapel at 1PM Friday, February 2nd with a graveside burial at the USAFA cemetery, and reception to follow.
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Memories and Condolences
for Richard Gugat
Sponsored by Those he mentored and helped so much.
David Burns
August 3, 2025
I played basketball for Maj Gugat at the Air Force Academy Prep School in 1979/80. I just learned of Rich's passing from a friend, Lt Gen Sam Cox. I was a young kid, just out of high school playing on a team with a bunch of good basketball players. Coach Gugat was different than any of my previous coaches - Calm, thoughtful, carefully chosen words to build us as a team, but also build us as young adults. I think of him often and wish I could tell him that he made me a better basketball player and the husband, father and friend that I am today. Well done Coach!
cara gugat havenar
June 15, 2018
Love to you on this upcoming Father's Day! Sunday will feel so hallow, though you'll be in our hearts every second. And the boys and I will cheers at Diet Coke up to ya! Love, love, and more love. -Cara and crew-
Erik Johnsen
February 28, 2018
Rich was an unbelievably thoughtful and caring person. His success and dedication to his family and career were examples for all of us to live by. I was blessed to have known him and lucky to have spoken with him so recently. God bless him. May the knowledge of what a great man he was bring peace to his loving wife, girls, and grandchildren.
Cara Gugat Havenar
February 5, 2018
I'll miss you every day of my life, Dad. Calvi and I have been talking about you each night already and we put a photo of you on his dresser. You were an unbeatable father and my heart is full of love and grief. Your service was fitting, it was a gorgeous day and so many in attendance. LOVE YOU, Cara
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Jim Dearien
February 2, 2018
He was a quiet gentle mentor to many young men, and a breath of fresh air to me personally when he helped coach the USAFA Prep School basketball team 1970-71. It was always the highlight of my trips back to USAFA to have a short sit down with Rich back in his office.His quick wit, sly smile, and disarming charm will be missed by all, but his memory will not. Blessings to all of his girls and grandchildren that he loved so much. Thank you Coach!
Gary, Sandy, Sarah, Rob, Allison and Josh Forrest
February 1, 2018
The Forrest family would like to extend our condolences to you and your family on the passing of Rich, loving husband, father and grandfather. We know that it is hard to bear right now, but remember that death is only the end of the physical life and the beginning of an eternal life. May our friendship and prayers ease you through this difficult time.
Rita McMullen
February 1, 2018
Sincerest sympathies to all the friends and family of Coach Gugat. He was such a gentle spirit full of love and compassion. It was my pleasure to know him while working at the Academy Athletic Department. Love to see him at work, he was so very kind. His eyes would light up when I asked him about his family. He sure loved them and it was obvious he loved his work. Heaven has a new Angel. Rest well Rich. Much love to you all.
David Clark
February 1, 2018
My prayers are with the family during this difficult time, may the Lord bless and comfort each of you. I worked in the Athletic Department for 10 years with Coach, he always had a big smile and something nice to say. He was a great guy to work with and will be missed.
Robert Zawacki
January 31, 2018
Our best wishes and condolences go out to Richard's family. I know him on our 2 tours at the AFA and I once flew with him to Seattle to attend a tennis match. Also, I knew Richard through our church. I true family man and gentleman. Dr. Bob Zawacki
Jen Kopczynski
January 31, 2018
My deepest sympathies and prayers. The love that you all have as a family is a tribute to him.
Jon and Pat Sercel
January 29, 2018
Carol, Kim passed us this news; we are so sorry for your loss. We last saw Rich at the Antler's, and spoke of stopping by sometime this month. Rich always had a kind word to say, he will be missed. Our condolences to you and your family in your time of loss.
Sheila Ferry, The Hoffman Agency
January 29, 2018
Our Sympathies!
Deacon Rudy Gonzales
January 29, 2018
It was a blessing to have known Richard and his wonderful family. On behalf of Corpus Christi Catholic Parish we send our warmest sympathies to his family and friends. Rest In Peace Richard and may your journey be blessed with God's love and grace.
Deacon Rudy Gonzales
Allan Burdick
January 28, 2018
Forgive me for not being a better friend. I will cherish my only visit to C-Springs. With so many wins in every aspect of your life its unfair that this loss has come at such an early age. God bless you Cougar.
Tom and Susan Mroch
January 28, 2018
May you as a family find comfort in God's loving promises as you live with the loss of your kind and caring husband, father, and grandfather. Our prayers are with you.
January 27, 2018
May God's loving kindness comfort you and help you through this very sad time
Psalms 29:11
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Swan-Law Funeral Directors501 North Cascade Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
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