Richard Alan McKusick
04/19/47 - 07/17/20Celebration Service
Day(s)
:
Hour(s)
:
Minute(s)
:
Second(s)
Family and friends will be going LIVE at 4pm PST, today Aug 1st 2020.
To view the live stream at 4pm PST, click your preferred platform below. A video of Richard’s memorial service will be available here for viewing anytime on Tuesday, August 4th.
In Memory
Richard “Dick” Alan McKusick, a long-time resident of Pasadena, CA, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on Friday morning, July 17th.
Richard was the first-born child of the late, Mary Frances Doolittle, and Jazz legend the late Hal McKusick whose iconic composition and performances resonate with the jazz community today. Born on April 19, 1947, in Alhambra, CA; Richard’s Doolittle/McKusick families were early settlers in the New World and his ancestors had a profound impact on the American Colonies and thereafter in New England.
Richard’s early life in New York City shaped his love of art, music, literature, poetry and the guitar. His youth in California was filled with surfing and cross-country track. A Veteran of the United States Army; Richard served in West Germany from ages 19-21.
His zest for learning and his intellectual and artistic pursuits added zest and flavor to all of his relationships. He was a gifted leader of people and talented businessperson. He pursued financial interests as a craft and throughout his career in finance mentored numerous young financial advisors with Home Savings, WAMU and Citibank. His team members over the years have described him as The Best Boss Ever. A man without malice. A mentor. A friend.
His ease with people and keen abilities with language made him accessible and a source of comfort and inspiration at home and at the office. His family, children and grandchildren fed on his playfulness, humor and wisdom. As a parent to Lisa , John and Sara, his love expressed itself in deep trust of them as unique individuals while nurturing their independent dreams and decisions. He was nicknamed “Big Daddy” by his brother James and wife Teri in honor of his paternal nature and ability to be there for all of us. He was also a fur dad to his treasured dachshunds Rosie and Baby.
Truly he was a Renaissance man. He mastered classical guitar, photography, was a student of modern economics and finance and delighted in being the consummate host complete with good food, wine and music.
Of all his passions, he delighted most in being a dad, brother, uncle and husband, especially enjoying being G-Pa to grandchildren Malachi Musick, Taylor, Kian and Kymani McKusick Xavier, and Ryder and Hannah McKusick.
Without question, his world was enriched and surrounded by the love and sweet kindness of his wife Ann (nee Stark) for 36 years. They were blessed to travel extensively throughout Europe, Canada, Israel, Tahiti, the Caribbean, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Mexico and around the USA . An enthusiastic urban hiker, he explored art museums, history, and fine food. In his last day on a Paris visit, he walked 24,000 steps! Of all their destinations, none were sweeter than trips to Maui.
He was predeceased by his brother Michael Geary, sister Leslie Stevens, daughter Lisa McKusick, nephew Kevin Geary and niece Jhoanna Wade. He is also survived by his son John (Brittany) McKusick , daughter Sara (Romi) McKusick Xavier, his brothers James (Teri) McKusick and Dan (Darla) Geary, sister in-laws, Tammy Geary and Lee Wade , son-in law Al Landes, Uncles Ken (Gussie) and Charles McKusick, loving nephews and nieces Will Wade (Nina, Ben, Sam), Yancey (Katja) Wade (Maria), Keith Ballard, Sean and Tyler McKusick, Kristin (Darek) Riley (Cory), Kimberly LeMarbre (Scarlett), Jill (Nat) Owen, Sara Geary and numerous adoring cousins.
Richard lived courageously with glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer, and was encouraged every step of the way by the love of his wife, family, friends caregivers and his medical team. During this journey, Richard fulfilled his life-long pursuit of knowing Jesus as his Savior. His deep peace at the time of his death was apparent to all who knew him during this journey until his last breath.
In lieu of flowers, please give to your favorite charity or to Chosen People Ministries in NYC or the Healing Rooms of Pasadena in his memory.
A dear friend and colleague for many years. Dick made the world a better place and will be missed every day. G-d continue to bless his family who are equally loved.
I will miss you ,and pray .you in god haven and free.
Bless your soul.
Felt so bad i was not able to come see you
Blesd your family
My deepest and most sincere condolences to the McKusick family. Dick will be extremely missed, he was a great mentor, advocate, and friend.
Rest In Peace Dick.
My thoughts go out to Ann, who in the very short time I knew , felt was a very special soul. Hugs.
Ann, I’m so sorry, my deepest condolences. You both fought courageously, and surrendered when it was time. Now Richard has begun his new life. My prayers continue for you and your children.
What a beautiful photo and tribute, Ann. What a blessing! He is missed by all of us; yet he is rejoicing in his new glorified body with Jesus. Love to you always! Peace and Grace upon you in Jesus’ name
You are loved, Ann! May the Lord carry you through this difficult period of time.
Big hugs!
Que Deus com sua infinita misericórdia refrigere o coração de todos familiares e amigos, meus sinceros sentimentos.Um forte abraço fraterno! Deus abençoe todos vocês. Muita luz pra ele em sua nova morada.
My condolences to you and your Family on the passing of your Father.
Desejo que Deus o receba em seus braços e a todos vocês conceda paz e conforto.
Um abraço amigo de Maria do Socorro e Bruno.
Comment
Sara, John and Ann
May God comfort your hearts right now.
My condolences.
Sara, John and Ann
May God welcome your father and husband in enlightened arms and comfort you and other family members in the certainty that the bonds of love are eternal.
Meus pesares e sentimentos conforto espiritual para todos os seus familiares. Especial para Sara Rômulo e seus filhos.
Que seu caminho seja de luz.
Comment”La muerte no nos roba los seres amados. Al contrario, nos los guarda y los inmortaliza en el recuerdo. La vida si que los roba muchas veces y definitivamente” – Fraçois Mauriac.
Todo nuestro cariño y fuerza a la familia.
Un fuerte abrazo Guisande Rodríguez family. (Spain)
Ann, what a sweet tribute to Dick. Joe and I will continue to lift you and your family in our prayers.
Rest in peace, Richard.
And may perpetual light shine upon you.
I listened to the Celebration of Dick’s life tonight and was blessed by the spoken words & music. I’ve been praying for Dick’s healing & for Ann’s strength & courage this past year. I’m so grateful to God for Dick’s genuine conversion and peace with God through Jesus Christ’s grace & mercy.
Dear Annie, I am thinking of you today with prayers and love.
Our Family will miss Dick! We love him and will never forget what you both have done in mine and Conner Marone’s life.
We have been blessed to spend time with Dick and watching Conner pray over him was so dear and beautiful. We love you both with all our 💕 and will continue to pray for you My Annie!!!
What an honor to be apart of your family. We will treasure Dick’s life and the impact you both have made on my life and my Son’s life✝️💕🙏🏻😇
What an honor to be a part of your family in Christ Jesus.
Blessings to you all.
Dear Richard,
you lived a long,beautiful and fulfilling life. You’re in God’s hands now making heaven a better place.
My condolences to your wife Ann, and all your family members.
Diego, Carolina and Noah
We are grateful for Dicks life of love and grace. Love and prayers to you dearest Ann.
Dick, my dearest friend, rest in peace. Knowing you was one of the greatest gifts God ever shared with me. You made working at Griffin Financial Services/Home Savings so much more fun especially during those long, long meetings. Your words of wisdom and support helped me navigate my business and personal life in more ways than you ever knew. Ann our condolences to you and your family. Patricia (Chavez) and Bryan Hall
To Ann and the McKusick Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. What a beautiful service. There is a lot of love in your family and it is so great that Dick got to be surrounded in it before he left this Earth. May he rest in peace.
Much Aloha,
Kimi Yamada
Dear Annie… you were your awesome self yesterday at Dick’s memorial. You have always been such a delightful speaker and yesterday was no exception! The service was so sweet and finally gave me a chance to not only meet that wonderful family you have been talking about bu also learned what a wonderful, fun man you were married to! 💕 I wish I could come up with Beverly and have one of those special fun lunches we used to do… it will probably have to wait until the “vacine”
I love you dear friend and you will always be in my thoughts and prayers!
❤️Tookie Paulson
Ann, I am profoundly saddened by your loss of Dick. You & I did a lot of ‘growing up’ together… talking & learning & questing at Spring Hill College in Mobile, AL. I will be forever grateful for our deeply sincere conversations and the give-&-take of our mutual spiritual growth. I was filled with Love & Happiness to be included at your marriage to Dick. Your marriage ceremony was one of the most meaningful I’ve participated in.
My Love is with You now, as always, in this new chapter of your life. All my LOVE! Susan
Sending love and prayers in this time of loss, Ann… Dick was a wonderful husband to you and I am putting my virtual arms around you over the miles.
.nossos profundos sentimentos. Que Deus conforte os corações de todos que o amam e, que as orações sejam para ele o bálsamo reconfortante nesse momento de transição.
Fiquem bem.
Luiz Roberto e Malu
We only got to know Dick in the past few years but found him to be a lovely, intelligent, and talented person–one-half of a very special couple. We were sorry to miss this service, but read the poem he shared with us on our last New Year’s eve spent together as a tribute to him when we were in the Utah mountains.
Thank you for posting the video of the service. It was a beautiful and fitting memorial.