William Thomas Richards

Bill was born on January 1st, 1931 in Mahanoy City, Pennsylvania and died of congestive heart failure in Portland, Oregon on May 24th, 2021, at the age of 90 years, 5 months and 24 days. His parents were William and Sarah Richards. He had a brother, Jim, and a sister, Jean. All have preceded him in death.

Bill joined the U.S Air Force in 1950 and was stationed at the Portland Air Base, where he served as an aircraft mechanic. When he completed his 4 years of service, he chose to stay in Portland. He started working for Container Corporation and remained there for 42 years. He retired in 1998. Bill worked in various parts of the plant and was the Shipping Clerk when he retired.

Bill enjoyed hunting, fishing, bowling, golfing and woodworking. He also spent a lot of time relaxing on his backyard patio watching the birds eat from his feeders. He got very frustrated though because the squirrels kept stealing his birdseed. He grew lots of tomatoes to give away to family and friends. He also liked to play the lottery hoping for the “big win”, but it never happened. He also loved cats and had Smoky for 12 years. He was enjoying his beloved cat Mischief and now Mischief has a new loving home.

He married Rosella (Rose) Walker in February of 1966. Rose had one daughter, Donna, prior to their marriage. Donna married Ray Paris; the family grew and Bill had four step-grandchildren and six step-great-grandchildren. He really enjoyed playing with them. Rose died of cancer on March 14th, 1978.

Bill then married Doris Osborn in September of 1979. She was widowed and had two sons, Tom and Jerry, and a daughter, Nancy. Tom married Carol Mason; Jerry married Shiela North; and Nancy married John MacClanathan. Through the union with Doris, Bill gained nine grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and eight great-great-grandchildren. Doris died of cancer on December 21st, 2001.

Bill kept busy visiting both families. The Holiday Seasons really kept him hopping from place to place enjoying family meals. Deviled eggs were his forte and everyone anxiously awaited his coming with the eggs. He enjoyed life and spending time with family and friends.

A Memorial Service will be held for Bill at Skyline Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home at 4101 NW Skyline Blvd., Portland, Oregon on Friday, June 4th at 2:00 pm.