Dick Kun - Snow Summit CEO

Richard 'Dick' Kun, former chairman and CEO of Snow Summit Ski Corporation and one of the true visionaries of the American ski industry, passed away on November 27 in Big Bear Lake after a lengthy battle with Parkinson's disease. He was 76. His family and his close friends were at his side when he passed peacefully at home.

Born in Lacrosse, Wisconsin, Kun moved to Big Bear at the age of eight with his mother and father, Tommi and Jo Tyndall, founders of Snow Summit. With the tragic death of Tommi in 1964, he returned from the University of Colorado at Boulder to help manage the struggling resort with his mother, Jo. 

From 1964 to 2015, under Kun's stewardship, Snow Summit grew into one of the nation's best mountain resorts. He was also a world leader in resort innovations; the long list includes initiating the first lift-serve summer biking operation, hosting the first Winter X-games, and creating the first snowboard park. His significant impact and contribution to the ski industry was honored by the National Ski Areas Association with their Lifetime Achievement Award.

His work in the ski industry is matched by his contribution to Big Bear Valley's community and people. He co-founded the Big Bear Resort Association; had an active leadership role serving the Big Bear Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club; and greatly supported Big Bear Junior Ski Racing, among other organizations. Kun was awarded State of California's Innovator of the Year, Rotary Club Eagle of Excellence, and San Bernardino County Award of Leadership. In addition to his industry and community leadership, Kun was an accomplished athlete in sailing, skiing, mountain biking,  and tennis.

Kun met his wife Jennifer at Snow Summit and they married in 1985. They had two children, Alex Tyndall, 31, and Dominique, 30, who were both raised in Big Bear Lake and became two of the top junior ski racers nationally. He is survived by his wife and children.