William F. (Rick) Lester
January 19, 1952 – July 20, 2013
“A life without the arts is inconceivable to me. It is who I am.” –Rick Lester
UPDATE: July 30, 2013 7:30 AM
Yesterday, we came together to remember our beloved founder Rick Lester. Today we resume the work he began, inspired by Rick’s love of life, generosity of spirit, and boundless energy. Your kind messages are a balm on our broken hearts as we go on. Thank you.
UPDATE: July 29, 2013 6:30 AM
Our offices are closed today as we celebrate the life of our CEO and founder Rick Lester. We join the Lester family in gratitude for all who have reached out. Your thoughtful words of condolence and memories of Rick have been a great comfort.
As Rick’s protégés and acolytes, all of us at TRG have rededicated ourselves to his extraordinary passion for the arts and to his vision for ever stronger relationships between arts organizations, managers and audiences. Tomorrow we will come back to work doing what Rick taught us: discover the best practices in the field and share them.
To those so moved, know that we continue to welcome your messages in comments below.
UPDATE: July 23, 2013, 4:48 PM
A service to celebrate the life of TRG Arts founder and CEO Rick Lester will be held:
Monday, July 29 at 10 a.m.
First Congregational Church
20 E Saint Vrain Street
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Rick’s family will receive guests immediately following the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests those wishing to honor Rick’s memory with a contribution choose the
Courage Classic, which Rick so passionately supported.
TRG’s offices will be closed on Monday July 29th so that our staff may attend the service and greet colleagues, clients and friends who are traveling to Colorado to be with us. If you are among those planning to come, please let the TRG team know so that we can share information about accommodations. Email:
Original Post: July 21, 2013, 6:37 PM
Over the weekend, TRG lost a leader, mentor, colleague, and friend. Today, we are taking time to remember all that Rick has meant to us individually, to our company, and to our work in the arts and entertainment field. We will resume TRG business as usual, but not just yet.
We ask your understanding as we mourn alongside Rick’s family whose privacy we request that you join us in respecting. Memorial details still are forthcoming and will be posted on this site as they become available. If you are moved to express your condolences, please do so in the comments section below.