Obituary: Richards, Robert Ray
Age 82
RICHARDS, Robert Ray
(Age 82)
Bob Richards passed surrounded by family on February 10, 2012 at the age of 82.
He was a lifetime resident of Spokane, born on July 15, 1929 to Albert and Mary (Endrus) Richards.
Bob attended Garfield Grade School.
His family later moved to Peone Prairie.
He graduated in 1947 from Mead High School where he lettered in football and basketball.
He received a Bachelor of Education degree in 1951 from Eastern Washington State College and a Master’s degree in Administration from Whitworth College in 1965.
Bob was a Korean War veteran, serving in active duty for two years in Army reserve in the 425th Transportation Regiment as a Movement Control Specialist.
He was a Collection Manager for Universal C.I.T. Credit Corporation for four years.
He worked as a Teacher/Administrator in School District #81 for 30 years, primarily at Salk and Garry Middle Schools.
He was Assistant Director of Community Resources Workshop at Whitworth College for six years; served as President of the Spokane Principal’s Association, and was Legislative chairman and Welfare and Benefits chairman of the Association of Washington School Principals.
Bob served on the Spokane Teacher’s Credit Union Board of Directors for 32 years, and was past President of the Spokane Area Retired Educators Association.
He served as President of Washington State School Retirees Foundation, Board member of the Washington State School Retirees Association Finance Committee, E-7 Coordinating Council Representative, and served as a Judge on the Spokane County Election Board.
He was a 53 year member of St. Thomas More Catholic Church where he served as Parish Council President, was a member of the Knights of Columbus and worked with the St. Vincent de Paul food distribution committee.
He was a member of the Spokane Country Club and Life member of the Elks Club.
He and his wife, Marilyn, were married for 52 years.
They were blessed with four children and eight wonderful grandchildren.
They lived at the “Homestead” their entire married life, celebrating many major events there.
His love for golf was passed down to his children and grandchildren with endless putting lessons and drills to “perfect that swing”.
His passion for Gonzaga Basketball was shared with his family and especially long distance phone calls screaming over various calls throughout the game to his daughter and brother-in-laws.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing and traveling throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean.
Bob will be remembered for his great sense of humor and wit at all occasions.
Words cannot describe the joy and laughter he brought to family functions with his one liners and funny off hand remarks.
Laughter and charisma surrounded him and he was a friend to all that were privileged to know him.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents Albert and Mary Richards.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Marilyn; children, James (Barbie) Richards of Spokane; Kerry Richards and Susan (Bill) Fixsen of Hollister, CA; Merri Lou Franzella of Spokane; cherished grandchildren, Connor, Trevor and Parker Richards; Meghan, Lindsey and Eric Delatorre, and Anna and Joey Franzella; brother, Albert (Jay) Richards, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Vigil Service will be held Thursday, February 16, at 7:00 p.m. at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 505 Saint Thomas More Way.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, February 17, at 11:00 a.m. at the Church, immediately followed by a reception at the Parish Activity Center.
Inurnment for those wishing to attend will be at Holy Cross Cemetery, 7200 N. Wall, on Saturday, February 18, at 10:00 a.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Parkinson’s Resource Center of Spokane, 910 W. 5th, Spokane, WA 99204; St. Anne’s Children & Family Center or House of Charity, both at PO Box 2253, Spokane WA 99210.
Please visit Bob’s online tribute and leave a condolence at www.hennesseyfuneralhomes.com. Arrangements by: