Richard Bond Dutoit

Richard Bond Dutoit


Richard Bond Dutoit was born on February 21, 1932 to Mabel and Franklin Dutoit; he was their only child to be solely born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri. As the youngest by 19 years, he was the beloved baby brother of Gale, Paul, Lyle, and Lois.

In 1953, Bond went on the most perfect blind date with a girl named Helen Wills, which was set up by his Army buddy Raymond Alexander. The two fell in love, and they were happily married for almost 37 years when Helen passed away in 1992. Bond always said that Helen was "the love of his life," and he could never have found a sweeter nor loving woman to be his wife and the mother of his children. How appropriate that he joined his true Sweetheart on Valentine's Day.

Bond Dutoit is survived by his three children: Christopher Bond Dutoit, Helen Susan Buckner, and Clara Elizabeth Dutoit; daughter-in-law, Debi Dutoit; son-in-law, Ray Buckner, five grandchildren: Shawna Rae Levy, Jeff Levy, Jonathan Lee Buckner, Valerie Sue Buckner, and Nicholas Bond Dutoit. Bond enjoyed his three great-grandchildren: Nolan Bond Levy, Tanner William Levy, and April Marie Dutoit along with extended family members, many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. He was very happy that William Winn will be joining the family as Valerie's husband, and Mandi Marie Burkett will become Nick's wife.

In the family plot at the cemetery is a bench with the inscription, "In thought and deed, the family forever." Most certainly, these words reflect Bond's passion and love for his family throughout the years. As a devoted husband, Dad, Papa, Great-Papa, son, brother, uncle and friend, Bond Dutoit always had a kind word, a helping hand, a humble heart, a ready laugh, and wide shoulders to offer those he knew and loved. He accomplished many things in his life, but he was the most proud of his family. Bond enjoyed helping them succeed in life, and the happiest moments of his life was when he was with his family.

Bond was a Korean War veteran. He served in the U.S. Army as a Sergeant, and he appreciated living in the United States of America. Bond particularly loved the motto of the Shriners, "A man never stood so tall as when he stooped to help a crippled child." As a devoted Christian, he served mankind through his service to the Ararat Banjo Band and president of the Abdallah Tin Lizzies unit, a 32nd Degree Mason, a President of the Lions' Club, a member of the American Legion, Past-President of the K.C. Swimming Pool Association, Lay Minister in the Methodist Church of Raytown, President of the Literary Club in High School, and well-respected coach and manager for his son's many baseball teams from Little League to Babe Ruth as well as several All-Star teams. Bond was a formidable pitcher for his own fast-pitch softball team for years.

Yes, Bond enjoyed baseball and those Chiefs. He was a fifty-three (53) year Season Ticket Holder for the Chiefs, which started in 1963. Susan's students interviewed him about the Old KC Stadium, and they were quite impressed! If it was game day, you'd always find Bond in his Chiefs' attire, eager for the win. It was always a grand Chiefs' party at Chris' when his best friend, his Dad, was there.

Bond's professional accomplishments were many. He was construction project manager for quite a few of the schools in the Olathe and Shawnee Mission school districts. Raytown City Hall, Kansas City Zoo exhibits, Kingswood Manor, numerous churches and office buildings throughout the Kansas City area, and more benefited from his talents. In a time when adding machines, not computers, were used, it's amazing that he calculated the cost of all building material and labor as well as the intricacies that such building required. One Kansas City Place, the tallest building in Missouri, was an amazing feat at the time. Bond was recognized nationally for his extraordinary managing skills on this immense project.

Bond was also an incredible pianist. His children grew up to the waltzes of the 40's, such as Tennessee Waltz. They, and later his grandchildren, would sit beside him on the piano bench, listen to him sing, and watch his fingers dance to Boogie-woogie tunes. Whenever Bond played the piano, time stopped. Nothing was as enjoyable as listening to Bond's music. Helen and Bond loved the ballads of the 40's and 50's. You, You, You by the Ames Brothers was their song, and Bond would often serenade the Love of his Life with that beautiful song.

In 2000, Kimberly O'Keefe, a 7th grader in Olathe, nominated Bond for the Kindest Kansas Citian Contest. This 12 year-old neighbor of Bond's really captured the essence of this thoughtful, compassionate, and wonderful man. She wrote, "I think that the kindest Kansas Citian is Bond Dutoit…Bond is always thrilled to see my family and me. He also loves to see his children whenever he can. Bond works very hard. He used to be a contractor, and helped build the Marriott Hotel. He still has an office in his well-groomed house. Bond always puts people and their needs first. When he does something special for himself or others, he's proud knowing that he made other people and himself happy. He is also proud of his garden, and I admit it is beautiful. Bond is very kind and makes me feel good inside. He is an inspiration to me. Bond makes me feel like I can do anything. Because of knowing Bond, I know that I can make a difference in the world just like he did."

Richard Bond Dutoit was an inspiration to many. On February 14, 2017, he joined his Lord and Savior along with his true Valentine, Helen Wills Dutoit.