Richard M. Kohl was born in Denver, Colorado to Pauline McClure Kohl and Alfred John Kohl. He attended and graduated from Denver South High School in 1958. He studied for one year at Northeastern Junior College. He then transferred to Colorado State College of Education where he double majored in Vocal and Instrumental Music, graduating in 1963. Prior to teaching in St. Vrain Valley Schools, he taught music in Culbertson, Nebraska and Johnstown, Colorado. In 1966 he accepted the position of Vocal Music Director at Lyons High School. He remained there as an educator until his retirement. In the Summers of 1967 and 1968, he was a member of the Central City Opera Company. He always spoke fondly of beinging a member of the original cast of the BALLAD OF BABY DOE. In 1967 he was awarded a Rockefeller Schoolarship for graduate study at Oberlin College. He completed further advanced studies at the University of Northern Colorado and the University of Colorado at Boulder. Rich's special interests were diverse. He enjoyed model railroading. He was active in the Estes Park Train Club and served one term as President of the the Rocky Mountain Region of the National Model Railroad Association. He spent many years studying and recording his family geneology. He also was interested in Civil War history. An accomplished and prize winning weaver, he also participated in Hilltop Guild activities at the Kelly House. After retirement, Mr. Kohl remained active in the music community. He was a cast member in the Stanley Hotel's Christmas Madgril Dinners, conductor and member of the Estes Park Choral Society Ensemble, and conductor of the Estes Park Community Band. His favorite times were spent conducting the Longmont Concert Band. He is survived by his sons, Richard W. (Mary) and John, his step-children Ava "Trudie" Coleman (Richard) and Bryan Beck, and numerous grandchildren. The Longmont Concert Band will present a free public memorial concert honoring Mr. And Mrs Kohl on Sunday, May 20 th at 4:00 P.M. at the Silver Creek High School Auditorium. Afterwards please join the family for a reception in the school's commons area.
Published in Longmont Times-Call on May 16, 2018