Richard Kaough Obituary

Richard James Kaough

November 28, 1937 October 18, 2010

 

Richard James Kaough passed away on October 18, 2010, in Redmond, Ore., following a massive stroke. Richard was the youngest of three children born to Joseph Bryant Kaough III and Loucille Curtain Kaough. He was born and raised in Houston, Texas. In 1956, he graduated from Milby High School, where he was student body president, a cheerleader, and a member of the drama department.

 

When his older brother, Joe, graduated from college, it was Richard's turn. The two brothers moved to California, where Richard enrolled in Sacramento State College. He was a cheerleader, and was active in the theatre department, where he met his future wife, Susan Ellen Wolfe. Richard was a member of the Blue Key Honor Society and Theta Chi fraternity. He graduated with a bachelor of arts degree in 1965, and was selected to speak at the graduation ceremony.

 

Richard and Susan were married in 1965, and moved to Illinois. Richard continued his studies at Southern Illinois University, where he received his masters of science and doctorate of philosophy degrees.

 

Richard taught communication at Southern Oregon University for 37 years until his retirement in 1997. He was very active on campus and served as department chairman for several years. He was granted tenure as a full professor. Later, he served as director of the School of Humanities, and oversaw several departments.

 

Richard was a devoted family man who was very involved with his two sons, Daniel James and Richard Bryant. He coached them in youth basketball and Little League baseball. The family enjoyed skiing in winter, and water skiing and house boating with extended family. They have many happy memories of family vacations in Hawaii and cruises to many parts of the world.

 

In 2005, Richard and Susan moved to the Falls in Eagle Crest. He loved to play golf, take RV trips with friends. He was loved by many friends and neighbors in Ashland and the Falls.

 

Richard was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Joe. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Susan; sons, Dan and Rick; and sister, Patsy Maddox, of Conroe, Texas. Richard was a wonderful husband and father, who made a difference in many lives. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

 

A service will be held at the Community Presbyterian Church, 529 N.W 19th St., Redmond, Ore., on Friday, October 22, 2010, at 3:00 p.m. The family suggests memorial gifts be sent to the Dr. Richard J. Kaough Scholarship Fund, in care of the Southern Oregon University Foundation, 1250 Siskiyou Blvd., Ashland, OR, 97520. Please sign the online guestbook at: www.redmondmemorial.com

 

Published in the Medford Mail Tribune October 20, 2010