Bert George Richards
June 16, 1927 - May 21, 2021
Obituary
June 16, 1927 – May 21, 2021
Bert G. Richards, devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather passed away peacefully on May 21, 2021 at the age of 93 years. Bert was born in Seattle, Washington on June 16, 1927 to Charles & Flora Richards, one of four children. Bert was preceded in death by his loving wife, Myrna, of 62 years, daughter Catherine Doeleman, and great grandson Michael Kaneko.
Bert is survived by his son Dale Richards and his wife Karin, daughter Gale Richards, son Mike Richards, seven grandchildren – John (JD), Derek, Kjerstin, Madelynne, Kim, Carie, and Sherie, and two great grandchildren – Ryan and Cassidy. He was deeply respected and loved.
Bert attended high school in Edmonds, Washington and served in the US Navy during World War II. He retired after 28 years as a Seattle police officer and then worked security at Longacres Racetrack for 7 years. He enjoyed bowling and square dancing.
Services will be held at the Bonney-Watson Funeral Home at the Washington Memorial Cemetery on June 17, 2021. Viewing will occur from 9:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M., with the funeral service beginning at 11 A.M. This will be followed by a graveside service and Police Honors at 12:00 P.M.
Bert & Myrna Richards were members of the PI-R Squares (a square dancing group) before 1970 when Marilyn & I joined the group. They took many years off the group to raise their kids and other reasons. Then they came back and danced many years until Myrna died. Bert them met Pat Root and continued square dancing with Pat and the PI-R Squares and other clubs. Bert was always a happy man and a pleasure to be around. He slowed down later in life but still had a twinkle in his eyes ever thought he could not always hear what you were saying. It was a pleasure to know Bert Richards. Terry & Marilyn Quinnett
We met Bert (and Patricia Root) through the PI-R Squares square dancing group the Fall of 2018. He was a pleasure to visit with and always loved engaging in conversation. Peace and Comfort to all that have been touched by his life.
I knew Bert from the Georgetown Precinct and bowled with him for many years. Fond memories of the old G-T Lanes in Georgetown. So many positive things to say about Bert, but I will never forget the smile. Condolences to family.
Bert and I were partners in the early ‘60’s and stayed friends thru the years. I remember well his “money in the bank” reports for the RAP club when I was president, at the Lake City Elks. I didn’t know Myrna passed before him. It’s sad when you retire and lose touch with all your friends from the department. Rest In Peace Bert and Myrna, you will be missed.
My Dad, Robert M Davis and Bert were partners in patrol for 12+ years with SPD. When I told him about Bert passing away Dad took it very hard. He said he was the neatest guy and a great partner. We are very sorry for your loss
Bert was the BEST and enjoyed working with and round him. A real joy. Nice memories of he and Myrna on our bowling trips. Just a great guy and always seem to have a smile for everyone.
Bert was a heck of a bowler.Bowled at many tournaments with him.First met him when he lived near what used to be Bow Lake across from the airport.
A great man who man be remember by many!
RIP and God Bless!
Kjerstin Richards
I will miss my grandpa very much. I enjoyed cooking or baking for him because he always had nice things to say! He always cared about how I was doing, how my job was going, and was always interested in my bowling scores. My grandpa and grandma Richards inspired me to bowl as they bowled themselves, and I am grateful I am able to continue bowl thanks to them. Grandpa, I miss you and love you very much. Thank you for all your support. Say hi to grandma for me!
I will always remember Burts great smile and his kind gift of gab . He was a special Uncle to my spouse Larry and very welcoming to me be for and after my marriage into the family . Burt was one of the good guys. My fondest regards to the family . RIP Uncle Burt
Uncle Bert was a good hearted man, I enjoyed his laughter, smiles, his presence at the holidays and family gatherings. I remember him coming by our house in the police car, when he was a signed to our area.
My condolences to Bert’s relatives. Bert was a special gentleman, very quietly religious. I thank him for being my loving, caring, fun, and kind partner these last 8 years. We packed in a lot of joyful activities and trips. He told me he was very happy with me in his life, as I was happy with him as well. We both, having lost dear spouses, always honored and loved them. Following the loss was a lonely life so we were blessed to find each other to make our lives happy and fulfilled again. We were thankful for our close and caring square dance family; so much fun and laughter always, gathering many times every week..God bless!
Leila Jacobson
Bert was a great brother-in-law and I have many wonderful memories and some funny memories that give me great pleasure in my old age. They have helped me very much and the times when I am sad I turn on my music and dance works wonders.
I have a great memory of when I was a boy Burt and Myrna and family invited me along on there summer vacation down the Oregon , California coast and stopped at all the attractions. When I was older I took my wife then again we went with our family and plan do do it again such good memories.
Lolamay Petett
Grandpa was such a kind and caring man, and we will miss him so very much. His love for his family was apparent in all that he did. I will forever be grateful for his love and kindness in welcoming me into the family. I will remember family bowling outings and his helpful bowling tips fondly, and will treasure the memories of the holidays we spent gathered around the family dining table, sharing a meal and quality time together. Love you, Grandpa.
I will miss Grandpa Richards very much, I have great memories from going on trips in the motorhome with him and grandma. I remember them taking me to Long Acres when I was very young. When they eventually moved next door to us the piano that used to be in their house in Burien was moved into our house, that is the piano I grew up playing and taking lessons on and I am forever greatful for the love they gave us.
We were able to connect with Uncle Bert in the late 80s. Carol sought him out at Long Acres. He, I am sure, was surprised to have this woman contact him and claim to know him.
We were able to to speak with him about my Father (his brother Glen). Having that time with him has been and will always be our most precious memories.
Within the last several years we reconnected with Bert and his family. This has opened an amazing extension of family that we are blessed to be part of. In the past few years we have been able to get together with Bert and his family over dinner at his favorite restaurant. We have laughed and talked about his family history.
Unfortunately the pandemic took time with him away from us. Time that we will never get back. Though we were not able to see Bert before he passed, we know he is in God’s arms.
Bert, say Hi to my Dad for me!
Love your nephew David and my wife Carol
We were so sad to hear of Bert’s passing. Lisa and I met Bert a few years back, but did not know of his service to the country, nor law enforcement. Regrettably, we are too late in thanking him for his service.
A few people mentioned Bert’s smile. He was very pleasant and approachable. In chatting with him, you could tell he had a kind heart and a good sense of humor. It was always a pleasure to see Bert and Pat when we arrived at a dance.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Bert, his family and friends.
Bert has been a very dear and wonderful brother in law. Bert and my sister Myrna were always there for all of us. I will miss him and all our visits over the past few years. Every three weeks I would stop by Bert’s house around 10 am. I would bring us each a maple bar and a cup of coffee and we would visit for an hour or so. Maple bars were his very favorite.
We always had a great visit with lots of wonderful memories and keeping up with all the current news of all our families, etc.
I will miss my visits with him so much. He also had a great laugh and smile.
Love you all so much, LolaMay
I just want to say I could’nt ask for a better grandpa ever!!! He was always such a great grandpa and would always come and watch alot of our softball games when ever we would ask him to show up.. I was so proud of Grandpa for being a Seattle Police Officer, I loved introducing him to all my friends but of course I couldn’t tell them he was a police officer so I just had to show my Handsome Grandpa with a great smile off…. I Love My Grandpa with all my heart and I will keep loving him till I see him again in a little while. I love you grandpa tell grandma, mom, and Michael I love and miss them.