Richard Hyde Kassebaum

Richard “Kass” Kassebaum, 87 passed away on January 21, 2024. He was born on September 26, 1936 in Pasadena, California to Charles and Dorothy Kassebaum. He spent his early years in California, but being an adventurous soul, he was soon off to Colorado to pursue his passion for land development and the great outdoors before arriving in his adopted hometown of Ketchum, Idaho where he lived for over forty years. 

Kass was fiercely independent and always made his own way in life, both personally and professionally. Instead of a standard office building, he chose a small log cabin on Main Street as the location for Kassco Realty’s first presence in Ketchum. He loved to be social, and could usually be found enjoying drinks and dinner with friends at his favorite local establishment, The Pioneer Saloon (aka, “The Pio”). But Kass was often more at home packing up his fifth wheel with equipment (and most likely, a beloved dog) for a fishing and camping expedition in Montana or any other place where wildlife outnumbered human beings. 

But for those who knew him well, Kass’ most enduring legacy will always be his big and compassionate heart. Never one for grand gestures, Kass was content to do his good works quietly. Whether he was arranging permanent lodging for a local homeless man or simply standing ready to support a neighbor going through a hard time, Kass opened his humble heart to others without fanfare. 

He is preceded in death by his mother Dorothy Kassebaum, father Charles Kassebaum and sister Barbara Tuckley. He is survived by his longtime companion Sandy Frederick, niece Wendy Tuckley, stepdaughter Mary DeRosa, stepson Paul Hughes, and Chris Jensen, who was by his side daily as a lifelong friend and caregiver. Kass will be missed by many who have been blessed to hold him in their hearts as family throughout the years. 

Donations in his memory can be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of the Wood River Valley. A memorial service will be held in Mackay, Idaho in late spring.