Richard David Billingham passed peacefully from this life on September 28, 2024, in Arvada, Colo., with family present.
Rich was born in July 1934 in Plano, Ill, to Helen and Walter Billingham. When a junior in high school, he fell in love with the pipe organ, a love that would continue for the rest of his life. Even into his later years, Rich continued to compose, author books, and play the organ.
In his youth, Rich enjoyed swimming in the local “swimming hole” and studying astronomy on his way to becoming an Eagle Scout. While in high school he was in the starting lineup for both basketball and football teams, played baritone in the marching band, and on a high note, ended his high school career as Prom King.
Rich went on to graduate with bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees in music from the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago and Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill. While pursuing his graduate degrees, Rich studied with Pulitzer Prize-winning musician and composer Dr. Leo Sowerby and esteemed educator Stella Roberts.
A professor of music at the University of Illinois in Chicago for 30 years, Rich also served as a distinguished church organist and organ teacher throughout the Chicago area and Colorado for over 65 years.
A prolific performer, Rich played all six of Louis Vierne’s symphonies in one day. Two years later, to celebrate the 300th birthday of J.S. Bach, he played all of Bach’s organ music in thirteen concerts throughout the country.
Rich played in churches and cathedrals across the US and Europe and spent a summer studying the works of Louis Vierne in Paris. After his retirement, Rich was a member of St. Bartholomew the Apostle Episcopal Church in Estes Park where he played the organ and directed the choir for several years.
What friends and family loved most about Rich was his gentle, humble, and curious disposition. He was never one to boast of his accomplishments, but the first to show interest in yours.
Rich loved the outdoors and was often found sitting on the patio simply watching the birds and wildlife. In his 80s, he attempted to summit Longs Peak and went camping and fishing as often as he could even though he had a knack for rarely catching any fish.
He also enjoyed watching the Cubs play at Coors Field, attending concerts, and attempting to practice his German anywhere he could.
Rich is survived by his wife of 66 years, Dorothy, and his children, Carole and David, grandchildren Ania and Skyler, and brother John (Marlo).
A memorial service and interment will be held at St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church in Estes Park on Saturday, May 3 at 11 a.m.
The service will include recordings of Rich playing the organ in his younger days. It will also be available to watch via live stream on YouTube.
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