Obituary

Leroy Charles Richards passed away peacefully on September 25, 2016 in Bellingham, WA surrounded by his loved ones.The son of Mildred (Nelson) Richards an Samuel Clarence Richards, he was born June 19th 1948 in Pierra, South Dakota, and moved to Lynden, WA for a short period of time and later moved to the Laurel district, where he attended Meridian High School until the 9th grade.

Later in life, Leroy was blessed with two wonderful children, Chet Richards and Christine (Richards) Beaty. As life progressed, Leroy met Mary (Stogin) Richards at Simplot Frozen Foods, and they later became husband and wife June 6th 1981, joining as one family with Leroy’s children.

Leroy’s greatest pride in life was his family, that meant he spent his time supporting his wife and teaching all his children and grandchildren the little things in life.

Leroy was not only a great family man but a friend you could count on when you needed the help, from fixing your car to just enjoying a cup of coffee because you needed someone to talk to. Although grandpa had many occupations, he worked most at Simplot Frozen Foods in Ferndale, WA from 1988-1990, Dalgenty Foods in Whatcom Co. from 1979-1988, San Juan Packers in Skagit Co. from 1969-1979, ALF Christenson Feed Company in Skagit Co. from 1966-1969, and his pride was owning his own business as LCM towing services helping others.

Leroy was famous for how generous he was to his family, friends, and community, but also for his hard work and dedication. You could always find Leroy in a shop, under a vehicle, or just hanging around his family and friends. He loved going out, riding his Harley, playing card games, pool, and had fun pranking others.

Leroy also loved his classic 1952 Austin of England you could find him with his toy out at a car show, where he won plenty of WCCA car trophies, where he was a part of the car club for quite some time. He also enjoyed hosting some of his own car shows and having his family and friends surrounding. Fire-cracker, fun-loving, and hilarious, he loved the parties and he could always make someone laugh until they cried, or just simply put a smile on someone’s face when they needed it.

Although we have lost someone that meant a great deal to not only ourselves, but to others, we know he had made a great impact on each and every one of us in so many ways. We will always keep a memory of him every day. This is never good-bye, it’s “I will see you again.”

Leroy is survived by his wife Mary Richards,and grandson Micah Richards (and most importantly chosen son), sisters Barbara Knutzen, Carol Seymour and Robert Seymour, Joan Ross, brother Lane Richards, and their families; in-laws Adrian and Lemoyne Stogin, Dennis Stogin and Charles Stogin, Christine and Carl Dale, and Jim and Antonette “Tonie” Taylor and families.

He is remembered by his daughter Christine (Richards) Beaty and husband Mark Beaty, son Chet Richards; grandchildren Cody Dobbs and wife Brittany Dobbs, Derek Dobbs, Sarah Santos and fiancé Mario Luna, Kerensa Richards, Grace Richards, Isaiah Santos; great-grandchildren Aaliyah Dobbs and Naya Luna; Shannon Mclan, former daughter-in-law, and many adoring nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by both his parents Samuel and Mildred Richards, and parents in-law, Leonard and Petronella Stogin, brothers-in -law, Leonard Stogin and Gerald Stogin, sisters, Loretta Stall, Anna-Mae Brock and husband Jim Brock, and Terri Knutzen.

Special thanks to all the members of the St. Joseph Catholic Churches, Moles Greenacres funeral services, and all the family and friends for all the love and support through this very tough time.

The family requests memorials go to the funeral home (2039 Main St. Ferndale WA 98248). Along with any donations you would like to help to support the family we have set up a GoFundMe account that will help both Mary and her grandson Micah Richards (gofundme.com/2rn26t97).

The viewing with be on Monday, October 3rd, 2016 at 9:00AM-7:30PM at Moles Farewell Tributes (2039 Main St. Ferndale) with a Rosary starting at 6:00PM. The Funeral Service will be October 4th, 2016 at 10:00AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church (5781 Hendrickson Ave, Ferndale), with burial following at Greenacres Memorial Park (5700 Northwest Dr. Ferndale), Reception to follow at St. Joseph Church in Ferndale WA.