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Richard Michael Kuch
03/12/1944 — 09/05/2025
From Richland, WA | Born in Bismarck, ND
Richard Michael Kuch
Richard Michael Kuch left this earth peacefully on Friday, September 5, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with prostate cancer. He was surrounded by his loving family.
Richard was the second-born identical twin of George and Nellie Kuch. He and his brother Ronald were born on March 12, 1944, in Bismarck, ND. Richard told everyone he was the best looking. Richard grew up in Forsyth, Montana, and graduated from Forsyth High School in 1962. He went on to earn his BS degree in Pharmacy from North Dakota State University.
After graduating from NDSU, Richard moved to Tri-Cities, Washington with brother; and most of the family followed. The twins began their career as pharmacists. He met his “first wife” Marlene Hughes, a bank teller working next door at NBC bank. They purchased their home and later fulfilled their dream of owning and operating their own independent pharmacy, Prescription Pharmacy, in 1971. Richard is known for his dedication to his customers, he was loved for the way he made everyone feel at home- always with a toothpick in his mouth, a smile on his face, and a story to share. He would answer the pharmacy phone saying, “how can I be helped?”
Board member and secretary for Benton Franklin, fair and rodeo.
Board member for Tri-Cities, diabetic Association and on physician recruiting team for Kadlec Medical Center.
Enjoyed the outdoors, horses, 4-wheelers, tractors and helping out at his in-law’s farm. Spent summers trail riding horseback with Dr. Scott Williams, Jack Williams, David Alme and Buzz.
Built a cabin on a family land in Dayton, WA with Patty and Keith Miland.
Beyond his work and family, Richard has a passion for restoring and touring antique cars. They took many summer road trips with the Ye Olde Car Club. Richard took pride in driving couples after their wedding or school dances in his prized Packard or Model T. He also enjoyed woodworking and refinishing tools. He also found great joy in tending his lawn and grapes, where his patience and hard work created beauty and peace. And the best lawn on Holly Street.
He will be interned and laid to rest at Sunset Memorial Garden. The family will plan a small private celebration.
Our Papa Richard is survived by his devoted wife, Marlene; his daughter, Keri (Greg) Henley, and granddaughter Averi; and his son, Jason (Ashley) Kuch, and grandchildren Trenton, Hannah, Liam, Paisley, and Klyde. He is also survived by his sisters, Eileen Donley (Doug) and Judy Amacker; and by his niece and nephew, Rob Kuch and Rhonda (Bryan) Colley, along with their children, Colin, Christian, Garrett, and Trista.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Tri-Cities Chaplaincy Hospice. Their team provided the most amazing care during his final weeks.
Richard touched many lives. Thank you!
May God Bless. Richard was a great friend
I knew Richard as a patient at Wedtside Family Dental.
When Richard would call to schedule an appointment he would disguise his voice, or say something crazy that would always make me laugh. If I couldn’t figure out who was calling he would say GOTCHA!
He was also a lot of help to my mom
and I in the selling of a couple of my stepdads collector cars.
It was a great pleasure to know him.
Richard was a very encouraging mentor!! He had such a great energy that he shared with everyone he encountered!!
Richard was a force! He and my late husband Bill, along with twin Ron, David Alme and Richard Shannon, were all pharmacists in Richland in the early 1970’s. I will never forget Richard, with his toothpick and his shirt pocket full of pens. He was bright., funny, kind and caring. Richard would help anyone with anything, when needed. You will miss him every day.
Richard exemplified what it was to be a highly skilled and caring pharmacist. Whether it was a pharmaceutical need for myself, my children, my husband, or my aging mother, the concern was always lessened knowing that Richard was behind the counter. I was blessed as well to have worked with his sister, Judy. Wonderful family. God bless you all.
I have very fond memories of this dear man, who cared so much for the people he helped to heal through his pharmaceutical expertise and compassion. He was extra special to me knowing that he was Judy’s brother. Blessings to the Kuch family.
Oh Richard was a force! I met him and twin Ron in the early 70’s when they, Dick Shannon, David Alme and my late husband Bill were pharmacists here in Richland.
Richard was so lively, funny and engaging. At the same time he was kind, caring and helpful. We stayed in contact over the years, and I most recently talked with him at the Spudnut Shop, where he was with his family. No one can or will forget Richard, or the toothpick and shirt pocket full of pens! You will miss him every day.
Richard was our neighbor on Holly for many years, he had the most beautiful automobiles. always interesting to visit with. he took great pride in his yard. he will be missed and remembered.
When we moved to the Tri Cities, Richard’s pharmacy was the first place do we went to as our son had a prescription that needed to be filled. He was friendly and whenever we had to go into the store, he would spoil our boys with some kind of treat from the candy display. Later when our son was going to pharmacy school. He asked Richard if he could shadow him. Richard was so pleased and accommodated my son’s request.
I’m sorry to hear of Richard’s passing. I met Richard when I owned a parts store in Kennewick. I too will remember the toothpick. Thank you for the memories.
Richard was one of a kind. He would do anything for each of us if needed. I cleaned for Richard and Marlene for years till he retired. Richard put your wings to great use. You will be missed but never forgotten. Rest in peace my friend
Guestbook for
Richard Michael Kuch