GUESTBOOK
Hundreds of community members of all ages and from all walks of life joined together to celebrate the life of a Springfielder who loved his family, loved his community and was a true gentleman, according to a longtime friend.
“He was a patient man, never lost his cool. ... He gave so much. ... He was the epitome of class. No matter who he met, he always remembered their names and treated them with dignity. He was a true gentleman,” said former U.S. Rep. Dave Hobson.
Hobson spoke at the memorial service for Richard L. Kuss at Covenant Presbyterian Church Saturday, August 14.
Known for his philanthropy and fundraising ability, Kuss was remembered by William Kinnison, former president of Wittenberg University, as a modest man who led by example.
“He always said ‘I’m just a salesman,’ but he sold ideas and dreams. He sold us on ourselves. ...He sold us on what we could do as a community if worked together and didn’t care who got the credit. He knew you got things done through people. ...Every one of us is better for having known Richard L. Kuss,” he said.
Grandchildren Matthew and Jason Kuss remembered a man who offered advice and shared his loved of fishing.
“He told me to always carry a safety pin, a paper clip and a rubber band in my pocket,” Jason said, recalling a weekend when he needed all three items at different times. Each time he asked his grandfather for one, he was reminded by Richard — who finally asked if he’d been listening at all — to be prepared.
Kristin Wildman and Ben Kuss read a letter written by their great-grandfather.
He told them to be of sound character and moral integrity, treat others with due respect, support causes to improve the quality of life and do what’s right even if it isn’t the popular choice.
“Work to leave the world a better place than you found it. ...The meaning of life is to live a meaningful life,” Kuss wrote.
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