Robert Morton Richardson

Bob was born in Santa Paula on October 28, 1935 to Norman and Ada Richardson. His early years were spent on the Richardson homestead as part of a ranching and farming family, and later at the home of Ada and her second husband, Tstumo “Ben” Taketa. Bob graduated from Santa Paula Union High School in 1953 and married Dorothy Johnson. After several years in the U.S. Air Force, Bob and Dorothy raised their three daughters in Santa Paula. Bob eventually became a union electrician, and after his retirement in 1991 the good union man continued to attend IBEW Local 952 office gatherings.

Bob loved hot rods, a member of the Silent Knights club, and a contributor to the book “Hot Rodding in Ventura County”. Motorcycles were also a big part of his life, and he and Dorothy took the family on camping trips in the California deserts, where his girls learned to ride and he enjoyed the outdoors with friends. Bob and Dorothy shared a love of bowling, joining leagues at Santa Paula Lanes over many years. Bob was an avid gardener, a love he acquired from his mother Ada.

After Dorothy’s passing in 1998, Bob embarked on a relationship with his “sweetheart,” nurse practitioner Becky Eaton. They traveled the continental U.S. in their motorhome and sometimes on a motorcycle. Bob lived in Pine Mountain Club until Becky’s passing, at which time Bob came home to Santa Paula to live among the Hillview Estates community.

Sharp as a tack to the end, just days before his passing Bob was reminiscing about events from decades ago. He was particularly proud talking about local artist Douglas Shively, his uncle; and how his stepfather Ben (of Japanese descent) enlisted after Pearl Harbor and served as a sergeant in the U.S. Army’s 442nd Nisei Regiment. Going through Dad’s photos was a real step back in time.

Bob is survived by daughters Teri Richardson, Sheri Richardson, and Keri Griffith and “favorite” son-in-law Terry Griffith; eight grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; nephews Steve Robbins, Gus Gunderson, and Rhett Weddell and their families; cousin Kathryn Wilbur and family; and many more friends and family. Bob was preceded in death by wife Dorothy and sweetheart Becky Eaton; sisters Norma Robbins and Virginia Gunderson; niece Gwynn Gunderson; nephew Art Gunderson.

The family extends many thanks to Dr. Mike Tushla, who cared for Dad over the years, and to the medical professionals at Assisted Home Health and Hospice that took such good care of him in his final days.

A Celebration of Life—with barbeque, per Dad’s request—will be held Saturday, May 18 at 1:00 p.m. at the Hillview Estates clubhouse, located at 975 W. Telegraph Rd., Santa Paula. All friends and family are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Assisted Home Health and Hospice or the IBEW Local 952 RENEW Chapter.