Richard "Dick" D. Hus

Richard “Dick” Dewey Hus of Thousand Oaks, California, passed away peacefully on January 22, 2026, at the age of 97. Dick had resided at Sunrise Assisted Living in Westlake Village, California, for the past four years and was truly surrounded by care, comfort, and love during those years.

Dick was born on October 17, 1928, in Butler, Missouri, and raised in Stockton, Kansas. He was the second child of William and Meryl Hus and grew up alongside his siblings Loyal, Gene, and Caryl. Dick often shared stories of his childhood, and one of his favorites was recounting walking home from church hand in hand with his family during the Dust Bowl, when the blowing dust made it nearly impossible to see.

Dick enjoyed fishing, school sports, and scouting, earning the rank of Eagle Scout—an achievement he always spoke of with pride. From an early age, he demonstrated character, discipline, and leadership.

Dick graduated from Kansas State University with a degree in Civil Engineering and began working for a gas company in Oklahoma. It was there that he met Doris Ann Neely in 1952. They married in July 1953 and built a marriage rooted in devotion, partnership, and shared adventure that lasted until Doris’s passing in 2010.

Also in 1953, Dick was drafted into the United States Army, and the newlyweds moved to Huntsville, Alabama. He was always proud of his work on “Redstone,” a surface-to-surface missile developed under the leadership of Wernher von Braun.

After being discharged in 1955, Dick and Doris headed west to Canoga Park, California, with their first daughter, Linda. In 1962, the family moved to Thousand Oaks—a new community he loved for the rest of his life—where they raised their five children: Linda, Peggy, Karen, Gary, and Patrick.

Dick spent his entire professional career in the aerospace industry, working with dedication and integrity well into his seventies and retiring at the age of 78. He could always look up at the sky and tell you exactly what airplane was flying overhead. His brief encounter with Howard Hughes and the Spruce Goose was another favorite tale. Later in life, Dick was a regular member of a Goebel group of fellow retired aerospace professionals who loved sharing stories from those glory days.

His commitment to service extended far beyond his profession. Dick was deeply involved in civic life in early Thousand Oaks, serving four years on the City Council beginning in 1966, including one year as Mayor in 1969–1970. In his later years, he continued giving back through service on several boards, including Many Mansions and the Conejo Valley Genealogy Society. He was a proud and respected member of the Ventura County Grand Jury and founded the first local Toastmasters Club in 1963.

As his family grew, so did Dick’s commitment to staying connected to those he loved. He remained incredibly close to his siblings and their families throughout his life and was the first to bring everyone together for a family reunion—an enduring tradition that has continued for more than 25 years and stands as a testament to his belief in family, connection, and togetherness. Dick is survived by his brother Gene and his sister Caryl.

Travel was another of Dick’s great joys, especially when shared with Doris. Together they explored the world, creating treasured memories in Ireland, China, the Philippines, Canada, and many other destinations. Dick rarely went anywhere without his camera, delighting in capturing places, moments, and the people he loved. His photographs reflected how he viewed the world—with curiosity, appreciation, and affection.

Dick Hus will be remembered as a devoted husband; a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather; a faithful friend; a civic leader; and a true gentleman whose life was guided by kindness, service, and connection. He could charm you with his smile (he never took a bad photo) and his sharp sense of humor, right to the end. Dick was a true listener, eternally curious about you and your life. His presence made the world better, and his legacy will live on through the many lives he touched.

Dick is survived by his five children: Linda Johnson; Peggy Acosta (Frank); Karen Lindner (Larry); Gary Hus (Debbie); and Patrick Hus (Lisa). He also leaves behind eleven grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren, all of whom were a constant source of pride and joy. He found his greatest happiness in time spent with family and in the many relationships he nurtured so thoughtfully over a lifetime.

A Celebration of Life, including a buffet lunch, will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Friday, February 20, 2026, at Los Robles Greens, West Ballroom, in Thousand Oaks, California. Burial will take place prior to the celebration with close family members only.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made to Many Mansions or to a charity close to your heart, in honor of Dick’s lifelong commitment to service and community.