On Sept. 11, Dave Richardson, devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend, went to be with his Heavenly Father. After struggling with dementia for three years, his mind and body are at peace.
Born James David Richardson on July 30, 1943, his friends simply knew him as Dave. He enjoyed life fully, but his true love was his childhood sweetheart, Janet. Completely devoted to one another, they celebrated an inspiring 61 years of marriage, and the glow of the love they shared was obvious to all who knew them.
Dave and Janet left behind a legacy with their two sons, John Richardson (Coos Bay, Ore.) and Jeff Richardson (Austin, Texas). John and his wife, Debbie, gave them two grandsons, David (wife Jessie) and Christopher. Dave’s brother, John Richardson, and his wife, Helen, reside in Pagosa Springs.
Dave was an active participant in the Pagosa community. Many remember him as an active Rotary member, mounted search and rescue member and a consultant to the school’s science department. He loved challenging youth to think and grow and was an excellent teacher. (Being a lifelong learner himself, he earned a postdoctorate degree in chemistry.) Every Christmas he and Janet were seen “ringing the bell” outside City Market for the Salvation Army. Dave made lifelong friends with the LASSO horse rescue folks and some of his favorite memories involved riding his horse, Cinder.
Dave had weekly tee times on the golf course with Janet. Watching sports and westerns together was a rainy-day pastime. On sunny days, you would find him riding his tractor or shagging golf balls on his three acres while admiring his views of Square Top. The binoculars were always handy for deer and fox sightings.
After retiring from a wholly successful career managing worldwide plastics engineering teams, Dave found himself involved full-time in a joint venture in Pagosa with JR Ford, developing bio-char processes.
Dave and Janet especially loved their early days in Pagosa filled with hikes, ATV riding and picnicking in the mountains. Riverwalk walks and almost daily lunch dates by the river were part of their daily routine. They knew how to laugh with one another and never doubted the love they shared, which was witnessed by all who met them. It was a rare and beautiful love and life — and they thanked God for it daily.
Prior to moving permanently to Pagosa, the Richardsons lived in Akron, Ohio, and Houston, Texas, where their active and involved lives produced lifelong friendships and fond memories. Dave traveled the world for work and his Italian friends still check in from time to time.
He was a devout Christian and taught Bible studies and loved working with children. Dave’s faith was lived out by his actions — and occasionally, if necessary, he would “use words.”
In his younger days, Dave’s athletic build made him a star basketball player, and he won many golf tournaments. He coached basketball for his boys and the family still participates in March Madness together.
Dave lived life to the fullest and brought joy to all those who were blessed to know him. He made people think, and he treated everyone with respect. Heaven has welcomed him home, and we remember him with love and fondness.
(Janet will continue her life’s journey with a new chapter as she relocates closer to her family in Oregon.)
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