The heartfelt comments in this guest book are beautiful and moving, and they provide a small glimpse of a mighty soul known as Ronald D. Richards Jr.  Ron didn't like it when people added a comma before "Jr." in his name.  Otherwise, Ron wasn't one to complain.  

In fact, Ron was one of the easiest going people whom I met while in law school.   He had a great sense of humor, he was smart, and he was a humble, natural winner.  Ron was an extremely confident guy who did things in such a manner that made what he was doing look easy.  Whatever Ron did, he would do it just a little better than anyone else, and not because he was being competitive.  It just came naturally for Ron.  I used to joke with Ron that he was even born one day before me:  Ron on October 10, 1972, and I the following day.

And Ron wasn't ashamed to make fun of himself.  For example, before each law school exam, Ron insisted on eating a roll of Smarties candy.  He recognized the silliness in this ritual, but he would do it nonetheless.  

I remember sitting in the law review office when Ron walked in with a particularly big grin.  Ron went on to tell me how he was at a coffee shop where he met an amazing woman: Madhvi.  A few years later, I had the honor of attending Ron and Madhvi's wedding.  

Unfortunately, I lost touch with Ron and Madhvi around the time that their oldest child was born.  I will always regret that I didn't get to see Ron in his role as dad.  I have no doubt that he was an amazing dad.

I learned of Ron's death in September 2016 while reading what I thought would be another milestone achievement in a flourishing legal career.  It took me a while to process that Ron's photo was in the section reserved for departed alumni.  I still can't believe it.

Madhvi, Naveen, and Neera, my heart goes out to all of you.  Some may say that the world is a poorer place because of Ron's death.  I tend to think that this world is a better place because of the time that Ron was alive.  He touched so many lives.  He was a good man, and I'll never forget him.

Warm regards,

Bruce Familant

Dear Madhvi, Naveen, Neera and family members - this is very sad news, and I cannot begin to comprehend the anguish you have all been going through. 

I had the privilege of coaching Ron in my first season as the Head Soccer Coach at Fredonia.  Ron was entering into his senior year.  We had a really young group, with Ron very much the older statesman.  Without exception those young men all looked up to Ron. He led by example on the field, and was hugely influential off it.  He was a role-model and a guiding light; those young lives were all blessed by his presence.  In truth, they all aspired to be like Ron - they thought the world of him.

In all my years of coaching he is the only player to unanimously receive all the votes for team MVP from the players, and  coaching staff - he was a top player. More than that, it was the effect he had as a person; without Ron's influence the program simply would not have achieved its subsequent success.  Such a bright, intelligent and likable individual, he was a true leader.  He continued to be a class act throughout the years I knew him.  My greatest condolences; the news of his passing is very sad indeed.

Madhvi, Naveen and Neera,

We have never met but I am the men's soccer coach at Fredonia.  I only met Ron once at an alumni weekend event.  Right around that time he was very excited as we had advanced to the NCAA Sweet Sixteen at Calvin College in Michigan.  As you know, he was very passionate about Fredonia soccer.  I am deeply sorry for your loss.  P.J. Gondek

Dear Madhvi, Naveen, Neera and family members, It came as a shocking news today to us to know about your huge loss. I can't express my grief after knowing about Ron. I and Ananthi recollect all the days we spent at your home in Haslett and also in Okemos before we moved out from Michigan. Ron was such a caring person and I feel very sad for losing him at such an early age. I pray that you all have the strength to come out of this difficult stage. Heartfelt condolences to you...Venkat, Ananthi

We have missed you all along (Naveen, Neera, Ron, & Madhvi)..This comes as a painfully heartbreaking news for all of us here! May his soul rest in peace......and will always cherish many great times (precious memories) we had shared together with Ron and his lovely family in East Lansing. We pray almighty to give courage and patience to all of his family during this unexplainably difficult time, to cope with such a great loss...
You all are in our thoughts and prayers..

It has been a real pleasure and joy to have Ron as part of our extended family. We will always treasure those special memories shared during Ron and Madhvi's wedding and happy times spent in Shrivenham. We will  remember Ron as a sensitive, gentle and caring man who had a great sense of humour and an amazing gift of making everyone feel at ease. His courage and strength is an inspiration to us all. 
We will miss him dearly.
Our thoughts, prayers and love are with Madhvi, Naveen, Neera, and all his family and friends.
Indrajit Mama, Uma Mami and Rohini

Mr. Richards was my professor for Research and Writing and Advanced Writing.  But my relationship with him continued even after I graduated.  He was a reference for any job I applied to and he wrote my letters of recommendation. No other professor taught me as much as he did.  I will drive from Washington DC to Lansing to pay my respects to him and his family.

Ron was first a student of mine at WMUCooley Law School, and then an adjunct professor who taught legal writing for many years, and then someone I got to know as a friend. He was an outstanding and popular teacher, praised by his students. He was also a friendly, kind, and generous man. I send my deep sympathies to his family.

Besides being an accomplished attorney, Ron was a dedicated, beloved visiting professor here at WMU-Cooley Law School, in our writing department. His passion for teaching inspired us all. I feel so fortunate that I got to know him. We'll miss him terribly. Please accept my most heartfelt condolences. -- Mark Cooney

I wish I had his way with words to better tell you what a pleasure it has been to get to know Ron. I'm missing your kind and encouraging words, passing on of Dad skills,love of the Clash and insightful post match reviews of Manchester United games.A good man and a brave man.Phir Milenge my friend. Our thoughts and love to Madhvi, Naveen and Neera and all Ron's family and friends.

Richards Family - I am so sorry to hear of Ron's passing.  He lived a few houses from me growing up and was always so friendly and a great guy all around.  My deepest sympathies are with you at this difficult time.

"My thoughts and prayers are with Ron's family. I never met Ron face to face, but it was like I knew him my whole life. We had a working relationship that was very professional, and at the same time like one of my high school buds. I will miss his professional advise and most of all the sideline jokes and laughs we shared."
Jim Dubay, Garfield Township Supervisor

Wrestling in the basement, racing around the block, running in the snow, riding our moms bicycles to the store, knee soccer in the living room, underwater soccer in the pool, barefoot soccer in the yard, soccer at the fort, soccer at school...
I got to play with Ron, play next to Ron and even played against Ron.
Ron was my good friend and i will remember him always.

I was very fortunate to work with Ron as his secretary for many years.  He treated me with respect as a team member and friend rather than merely my boss.  He was an extremely kind, thoughtful, patient, helpful, polite, appreciative, generous, and considerate person.  He was easily approachable with questions and he told me that I could talk to him about anything.  He would ask me daily how I was doing, even after his cancer diagnosis, and offered to get me additional secretarial assistance or to assist me himself on occasions when he could tell I was overwhelmed with my workload.  I will very much miss his presence and cheerful disposition.

My thoughts are with Ron's family. He was truly a caring and compassionate person. My life was certainly enriched for having met him.

We send our heartfelt condolences to Nancy and all of Ron's family. We remember Ron, as part of our "Soccer Family" at Niagara Pioneer Soccer League where we were together from age 5 - 17! Ron, the "Red-headed Sweeper" saw the big picture, anticipated the actions of others and himself, then flawlessly put his plan into action. Lessons he learned with his teammates and repeated in life.
Good Game, Ron! 
Your fans, Linda Czarnecki-Ivancic, Rose Czarnecki, Marquerite Czarnecki Marra  and Jim Czarnecki

We are heartbroken and truly sorry to hear of Ron's passing.  He will live on forever in the memories and impact left behind. Our prayers and condolences are with you all.  

Enrico and Maria Cardamone
Lewiston, New York

My condolences to Ron's family. Ron was the anchor of our soccer defense for club and school teams for 10 years. He led by example on and off the pitch. He had a cutting wit and a fierce competitiveness, which made him the ideal captain. More importantly, he was a good man and a good friend. He will be missed.  Rest in piece, Ron.

We are truly so very sorry to hear of Ron's passing. We were blessed to know Ron in high school & at Fredonia State. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his entire family. May God Bless You All & Give You Strength.

Thoughts and prayers. RIP Ron. Love you and watch over your family

Heartfelt sympathies to Ron's entire family. Cherishing memories of a great guy I was lucky enough to work with over high school summers and watch work magic on the soccer field.

So sorry to hear of this. Please accept my sincere condolences. Ron grew up a few houses away from me, and we graduated high school together.

This is so heartbreaking to see.  I knew Ron growing up, going to school with him and being his friend.. So kind and such a proud husband and father.  My heart and prayers go out to all Rons family and friends and to his children..God rest your soul in peace.

Madhvi,Naveen Neera, Richard's family and Phadtare family. Sincere condolences to all of you. I had met Madhvi and Ron at Braganza place at Nashik.
May his soul rest in Peace

I am so sorry for your loss. Although my son and I have not seen Ron since high school, we have many wonderful memories of school and soccer.  Gone way too soon.

To the Richards Family - I am so very sorry for your loss.  Ron and my, Chris (Hanns) played soccer together as teens, Nancy, I feel so bad and I know what you are going through.  Take care.

For Nancy and Norma and the entire Richard's family. My sincere condolences.....God be with all of you....Prays are being sent your way....

Nancy and Family my deepest sympathy to you all. Keeping you in my thought and prayers.

Dear Jean, Ron Sr., Judy, Jeffery, Nancy, Madhvi,and all their families: As a close family friend of the Richards family since the 1950s, we are deeply saddened by the passing of Ron Jr.   He was an exceptional man who was a loving husband and father. It is difficult to comprehend why his life was cut short.  As time passes, we hope and pray the individuals and families closest to him will find the strength to understand and deal with this tragic loss. He will be missed by all of us.

Nancy and family so very sorry for your loss

Madhvi, Neera and Naveen...you have been and continue to be in our thoughts and prayers. We enjoyed getting to know Ron on the soccer side line over the last couple of years, such a sweet, generous man. We are so very sorry for your loss. With all our love, Jim, Kelly, Jonah, Anna and Leah Richards

Ron was my partner and my friend. His office was on my floor and around the corner. We spent great times talking about our interests. He was passionate about how to mentor young lawyers and be accessible to them. He was most passionate about his family. I was fortunate to have spent the time I did with him. Ron is a special human being in so many ways and I hope I can be like him. fhr

Dear Madhvi, Naveen, and Neera, Our deepest, heartfelt condolences to you and your family. Ron was a kind, loving and wonderful man, and we could see the love he showered on you all as a devoted husband and father. His love and energy will be within and without you always. We will cherish the times we were able to enjoy his company with you all. Sending you all prayers, love, and hugs.

Thinking of you and your family at this very difficult time.  I worked with Ron at Foster, Swift.  Such a very nice man.  So sorry for your loss.

Mike and I have known Ron since they attended law school together (too many years ago to say at this point), and we were lucky to witness the absolutely beautiful wedding to his wife, Madhvi.  We watched the blending of two very different cultures, and the deep love Madhvi and Ron had for each other.  Mike and I had no doubt that through any ups and downs of marriage, Madhvi and Ron would be there for each other.  Ron is in a beautiful place, and he has left behind a wonderful legacy in his two children of talent, intelligence, compassion, and a fantastic sense of humor (he was truly an exceptional writer by the way).  He will be missed, but we know Madhvi takes comfort in Naveen and Neera during this unbelievably difficult time.  Thoughts and prayers, Mike and Barbra Homier

Dear Madhvi, Thinking of you and your family. Praying.......

I had the pleasure of knowing Ronnie as a teammate and friend in college.  He was highly respected amongst the players and was genuinely loved by all.  He will not be forgotten.

It's just not fair....
Words can't begin to describe the sadness we all now feel and the void we will have. Thoughts and prayers to Madhvi, Naveen, Neera and the entire family. 
Ron and I joked around all of the time, laughing and poking fun at each other, ever since we were kids. 
His sense of humor was classic and he loved to dish it out, just as much as he took it. Having the opportunity to spend time with Ron, Madhvi and the kids, you could see and feel the love he had for his family and felt like you were a better person just for knowing him. He is an inspiration to anyone who knew him, loving husband, proud father and his determination was second to none. Truly a class act, extremely humble and the perfect definition of a role model. I'll miss our texting and emailing, chatting about the Bills-Sabres-soccer games and every other sporting event that is going on. Talks about our kids, daily events and getting you to laugh, is what I am going to miss the most. You're going to be missed, no doubt about it, but the impact you have made in my life, will last forever. 
Rest in peace Ron

My thoughts and prayers go out to Rons family and to anyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.  He was truly one of the kindest and most thoughtful people I have ever known.  Many wonderful  childhood memories of Ronnie.  He will be greatly missed by many

My memories of Ronnie go all the way back to childhood. He was my neighbor and friend. We shared many good times as kids and his passing is deeply saddening. My condolences to his family, my thoughts are with you.

So sorry for your loss Nancy. Love Marcia

Dear Madhvi and family.. Our hearts go out to you all and may Ron RIP, after a courageous fight to live his life.. He will surely be missed.  
 Jim and Kay Milne

Ron was part of my Lansing family.  I will miss him dearly.

Dear Madhvi, Nancy and Aunt Norma and Ron's family,  Words cannot express our heartfelt sympathy for you and your family .  Please find comfort in knowing that you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Ron and his family.  Words can not express how sorry we are for your loss.  Ron will be missed and will always be remembered for what a great person he was and how many lives he touched.  To my sweeper, my friend, I love you and will miss you, may you rest in peace.

I am very saddened to hear this, Ron was a good man and a good friend.  My sympathy goes out to all those who are close to Ron and his family.

I'm deeply sorry to here about Ron's passing.  Our thoughts'  and prayers go out to you and the family.

I knew you without ever having met you but you will be missed. Those who loved you the most will continue to carry loving memories and you will continue to touch even more lives. What a legacy.

Ron was a good friend in law school but we had lost touch over the years since.  He was a wonderful person and I am deeply saddened to hear this news.  My prayers are with Madhvi and his children.  May God give you strength.

Ron's love for his children and Madhvi were obvious from the first moment we met the Richards family. We give our support and love to you all. The Thiels

We share your sorrow and will keep you and Ron's family in our prayers. We are heartbroken. Jack and Mona Sweeney

OBITUARY

Ron D. Richards Jr.

10 October, 1972 – 28 November, 2015

Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes

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