In Memoriam: Richard Kuns
Richard Russell Kuns
November 6, 1935 – September 21, 2021
It is with sadness that we share news of the sudden death of longtime parishioner Richard Kuns, who passed away last night (September 21) at his home in Oro Valley.
Richard and Sue, his beloved wife of 65 years, found a home at Saint Philip’s in the late 1990s after they moved from Connecticut to Tucson.
In the years since they joined Saint Philip’s, Richard served the parish in a host of ways—several times on Vestry as Senior Warden; as shepherd of a Bible study that gathered every Tuesday for more than fifteen years; in Sunday liturgies as Lector, Eucharistic Minister, and Subdeacon; as a pastor and Eucharistic Visitor to the homebound; and as a mentor to aspirants throughout the Episcopal Diocese of Arizona in their discernment to Holy Orders. Our memories of Richard are blessings, and he will be deeply missed.
Of your mercy, please pray for the repose of his soul, and for Sue, their two sons, Phil and Greg, and all those who mourn. May Richard rest in peace and rise in glory.
Further details regarding a service of burial are forthcoming. Please feel free to leave memories or condolences for the family in the Comments section below.
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“Remember thy servant, O Lord, according to the favor which
thou bearest unto thy people,
and grant that, increasing in knowledge and love of thee,
he may go from strength to strength, in the life of perfect service,
in thy heavenly kingdom;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit,
ever one God, world without end. Amen.”
—The Book of Common Prayer, Page 488
Something Richard wrote in a Daily Bread meditation will always stay with me and remind me of him. “Learn the unformed rhythms of grace.” Thank you, Richard.
Holy moly this is a horrific shock! The family is very much in my prayers.
Richard,
You have been such a key to my development as a better human and a more spiritually-grounded individual.
At all of our Tucson returns, I could always count on your voice at St Philips to guide me to a reunion with friends. My prayers are for your family tonight and I know your soul is at peace.
Paul Tatum
Richard was a friendly and highly influential presence at St. Philip’s. My favorite memory of him is on St. Philip’s Day, May 2, 2004, when he dressed in an authentic Middle Eastern outfit my in-laws purchased in North Africa on their honeymoon in 1928. He went around the plaza dressed as St. Philip while I photographed him with many people and subsequently sent the photos of everyone whose photo was taken.
Richard, we shall miss you my friend, but we rejoice knowing that you are now in the company of our Lord and Savior. It was an honor to serve along side you as a member of the Vestry, and as a Lector and Subdeacon. You taught us all how to be servants of the Lord and to bring His love into the lives of others. We shall miss your warm personality and gracious spirit. May you now Rest In Peace in the presence of our Lord as we send our thoughts and prayers to Sue and your extended family.
Richard always called me double-clutch in all the years I knew him. The harp has two pedal slots and he was the only one in all my years who has ever called me that with his love and humor. Having him in my life always makes me think of Joy. Blessings to his family. The Good Lord must need him at his side.
Patricia Harris
Richard was a magnificent God filled man. He made a positive impact on our St. Philip’s community with his knowledge, his ability and willingness to share, his caring and the love he radiated. Richard’s friendship and support during my ministry at St. Philip’s was truly a blessing. I thank God for Richard being a part of my life. Blessings and prayers to Sue and her family.
Richard Kuns was a wonderful treasure to St. Philips. He had a warm heart and deep devotion to our community. I will miss him and I send my deepest condolences on your family’s sudden loss. Susan Black
Judy Cavallon
Such a devout and dedicated parishioner at St. Philips! We were blessed by your many gifts to the church and congregation, Richard.
Peace by with you now and sincere sympathy to those left behind.
I met Richard and Sue at Richard’s Tuesday class a few months before the pandemic began and feel very fortunate to have been under his tutelage for those months. Listening to Richard read scripture, especially the Psalms, in his wonderful voice was so special. Servant, well done! My prayers are for Sue and family. Judy Landeck
I met Richard and Sue during his "Tuesdays with Richard" study class. He would read the Psalms like poetry which helped me to understand the beauty of the writings. Richard was able to knit together the Old and New Testaments in a way that made them feel complementary. He also graciously agreed to be my Sponsor when I joined St. Philips. I appreciated his wisdom, kindness and joy he brought to each class and then always his friendship. Love and Blessings to sweet wife, Sue, and their family.