Mr. Richard W. Gould

He was a member of the resident company at The Cleveland Play House for 35 years, including 24 summers with CPH at Chautauqua ,NY. He was inducted into the Cleveland Play House of Fame in 2013.

Prior to the CPH resident company disbanding in 1988, he designed over 213 productions.

Other Cleveland productions include work at, the Beck Center Theatre, Cleveland Institute of Music, Berea Summer Theatre, Cain Park Summer Theatre, Dobama Theatre, and Karamu.

In the mid 1980’s he was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from Northern Ohio Live.

He designed several productions at Actor’s Theatre of Louisville during mid 1970 -early 1980 and designed a pre Broadway production of Dracula in Cape Cod. in 1976.

He is survived by siblings; Joyce Ogata of Delton, MI, Laura Gould of Battlecreek MI, John Gould of Kalamazoo, MI, two nieces and two nephews children of his late sister Louise (Ed) Stormzand and life partner David Smith of West Hollywood, CA.

Richardis being cremated and some ashes will be interred in a family plot in Battle Creek Michigan and a few ashes sprinkled in 2-3 favorite places.

Six years ago for his 80th Birthday Richard had a "wake" saying he should see old friends and say goodbye in person and not at a funeral. He didn't want a service and memorial.

Plus the Cleveland Play House Centennial Celebration reunion in October was an added chance to reminisce.

He was a very funny man who had great spirit and was a mentor to many during his 64 year as a set, lighting and costume designer. He will be greatly missed but we all feel fortunate to have had him in our lives.

There will be a small small gathering in Cleveland in the spring to rekindle and share our many great memories with the remaining group of friends. And there will be another family gathering in Michigan soon as well.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to Hospice of the Western Reserve.