A Tribute to
Richard "Dick" Kelso of Maine
1936-2014
An icon in the field of economic development,
Richard "Dick" Lester Kelso, 77, will long be remembered. Colleagues were saddened to learn of his passing this past April in his hometown of Augusta, Maine.
Most recently, Dick served as president of
Economic Management Services, Inc., a firm he founded in 1999. He was also active in the
Economic Development Council of Maine for many years, serving as administrator for that organization until his death.
Dick began his career following graduation from the University of Maine at Orono, with a degree in business and economics. He accepted a post at a Chamber of Commerce in upstate New York, but soon returned to his beloved Maine in 1968 to serve as Deputy Commissioner of the
Department of Industry and Commerce. He later served as executive director of the
Action Committee of 50, Inc., a unique public/private statewide development corporation in Augusta.
A graduate of the International Development Institute, he began teaching as an IDE instructor in 1971 and served as dean and chair of the Certification Board for AEDC. He was a Certified Economic Developer and an Honorary Life Member of International Economic Development Council (IEDC).
During his career, he taught economic development throughout the United States and internationally. He was a member of the faculty of Southern Cross University's in Australia and at CETY's University of Economic Development Programs in Mexico.
In 1994, he received Richard Preston Award from the IEDC, for his contributions for the educational advancement of practitioners.
Dick was instrumental in the development of the Kennebec Valley Community College Foundation. He served as an inaugural trustee and first president. With great vision, Dick led the foundation through its early years to successfully establish scholarships for KVCC students.
In 2013, the Northeast Economic Development Association, NEDA, recognized him for its most esteemed Lifetime Achievement Award.
Dick with longtime friend Mark Waterhouse
Dick enjoyed spending time with family and friends at the family camps on the East Branch of the Mattawamkeag near Haynesville. He loved taking others fishing on the river and was an avid deer hunter.
He leaves his wife, Elizabeth Kelso of Gardiner; a son, Adam Kelso; sister Nancy Erskine, her husband, John, and their two sons, John and Matthew Erskine; son David Kelso, of Madawaska; daughter Katherine (Kelso) Spear, of Windham; grandchildren Brittany and Kelsey Spear, of Gray, and Alexander Kelso, of Sarasota, Fla.
Charitable contributions can be made in Dick's memory to the Kennebec Valley Community College Foundation, 92 Western Ave., Fairfield, ME 04937 or online at www.kvcc.me.edu/pages/foundation/onlinegiving. - kennebecjournal/ and to the OUEDI Legacy Scholarship Fund, 1700 Asp Avenue, Suite 209, Norman, OK 73069.