Todd A. Richardson
October 12, 1962 - July 12, 2003
Obituary
Born October 12, 1962, our wonderful Todd left us peacefully on the 12th of July, after a long valiant fight with melanoma at age 40. Todd leaves us as he lived, a good man who made this world a much better place.
Todd was a devoted, loving husband and papa to his boys, and his sense of humor brightened our days. Anyone who knew him, knew his greatest joy in life was his family, his wife Shari and sons Stefan and Colin. Todd also enjoyed a warm and loving relationship with his parents, Garry and Donna Richardson of Renton, his sister Kelli Ealy Mike of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and his brother, Chad Richardson Carol of Renton.
Known for his integrity, passion and quick wit, Todd taught us many important things about life. His favorite saying was, “Excellence can be attained if you expect more than others think is possible.” He never complained about his illness or saw it as a roadblock, and he lived his life to the fullest. He was known to schedule his medical care around his daily activities and it wasn’t uncommon for Todd to finish his chemo treatments, and then race home to throw on sweats and a cap and head to a soccer practice or little league game.
Todd grew up in Renton and graduated as an honor student from Hazen High School in 1981. He attended the University of Washington, taking honor classes and earning a Chemical Engineering degree in 1985. After college, he joined the Boeing Company and pursued an 18-year career as an Engineer/Engineering Manager in the Renton and Everett plants. Todd took great pride in working for the Boeing Company and particularly treasured the many friendships he made there.
Todd enjoyed numerous interests and hobbies, and his days were constantly filled with activity. An amateur chef who loved to cook – especially with his best friend Scott — he treated us all to many gourmet meals, such as tenderloin roast at the holidays or his famous French onion soup. Todd loved the physical part of life which included cycling, golfing, skiing and soccer. For the “Seattle-to-Portland Race” he trained many hours with his brother Chad and participated in the grueling race three times. He found it thrilling to watch Indy car racing, and loved to drive his Porsche just like it was an Indy car! Skiing was another favorite pastime, and he vacationed with his family every winter on the slopes in Whistler, British Columbia.
But Todd’s greatest passion was soccer. As a young athlete, he played on the Renton Youth Soccer team, The Flyers, coached by his dad, Garry, and uncle Don. As a high school athlete, Todd played winger and fullback on the Hazen Varsity soccer team. He also competed on the school’s golf team and even played saxophone in the jazz band. In 1979, the Renton Rotary chose him from hundreds of students to participate in the Foreign Exchange Student Program, and Todd was given a unique opportunity to travel, study and play sports in Europe as a student. In September 1983, Todd married his high-school sweetheart, Shari, who will always remember his love and their 23 years together as a couple.
Todd coached his son Stefan’s soccer team — also known as The Flyers — every year since 1995. Todd was a dedicated soccer coach who truly believed in his kids and lifted his team to amazing new heights. He inspired his kids when they were discouraged and celebrated their successes. His energy and commitment to the team were boundless and the Flyers were a very important part of Todd’s life.
A special accomplishment came in March 2003, when The Flyers won the Boys U13 State Title in the Commissioner’s Cup with Todd at the helm as Head Coach. He couldn’t have been prouder. In June 2003, Todd and the team traveled to Eastern Washington for 3 straight weekends for Premier soccer try-outs. Todd’s final game with the team was June 21, 2003 when the Flyers won a close game and earned their placement in the Washington Youth Soccer Association’s Premier Division.
Above all, Todd was devoted to his sons, Stefan and Colin, who will miss their Papa dearly. He was full of pride in mid-June to see his young son, Colin, shine in his lively performance as “Colin” in The Secret Garden with the British Dance Academy. Todd was always there for his boys, cheering them on and supporting them.
Todd is survived by a large extended family, including grandparents Melvin Anderson and Esther Richardson of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; Larry, Dorothy, Peter and Glenn Wood; his best friend, Scott; his foreign exchange family, Ingvar and Gerd Holm; two nieces, eight nephews; and many caring friends. His family is filled with gratitude, appreciation and loving memories of his life.
Remembrances can be made to the Todd Richardson Memorial Fund, ? Soccer Club of Renton East, PMB 349, 6947 – Coal Creek Parkway SE, Newcastle, WA 98059-3159. Viewing to be held at Bonney-Watson Washington Memorial Park, 16445 – International Blvd, SeaTac, on July 14th and 15th from 9AM – 8PM. Funeral services to be held Wednesday, July 16, 2003 at 3:00 PM at Newport Presbyterian Church, 4010 – 120th Avenue SE, Bellevue with a reception following.
You will be missed on the touch but will remain in our hearts forever. Many children will become great adults and leaders in our community because of you. The Copple household gives our deepest sympathy to your family.
My prayers are with all of you! I remember Todd taking us to the Honeydew fields to play soccer and the arcade. What a nice big brother to haul Chad, GregChad’s frien and IGreg’s sister around. I remember Todd and Shari together in high school and hoping I could have such a fun relationship. God be with all of you at this time.
with deepest sympathies- JulieMorris Johnston
I’ll paraphrase a poem:
“Lives of great men all remind us, we can live our lives sublime, and departing leave behind us footprints on the sands of time; footprints that perhaps another , sailing o’er life’s solemn main, seeing might take heart again…”
Todd you have left many “footprints” both here at work and in the hearts and minds of all you have touched! May God Bless you and yours! Hank Lutz
We will always remember Todd as a wonderful person. Kirsten Lange Robbins and family
Todd was an exceptional man. A great Husband, Father, Coach and Teacher. His compassion towards others always being shown. Todd’s impact on others will not be forgotten. The friendship we have developed will continue as he watches over us all.
With love and caring hearts,
Kyle, Pam, Nate, Kramer & Oliver
Shari,
My thoughts and prayers are with you as you venture forth in life without your loving sweetheart. I know that he will always be in your heart.
With Deepest Sympathy
Mary Ann Fowler
Office Manager for
Kirby M. Nelson
Our Fluids and Lubrication Technology team sends their deepest condolences. We had the pleasure of Todd’s management leadership for only a short time from 1993-1994. It was evident to us that he possessed the attributes that made him not only a very good manager but an outstanding leader. I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with him. He will be missed.
I could always tell that Todd was a very kind, caring, and devoted individual. You could tell he was a loving father and husband.
My thoughts and prayers are with Shari, Stefan, Colin, family and friends. With just recently losing my father, the loss does lessen and Love grows even stronger.
Pam Nelson
A Friend
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Mr.G
Sitting next to Todd at basketball games, we learned that he was a passionate fan and a man who loved and valued his family. He talked about Stefan and his athletic ability and how he loved coaching his soccer team. He spoke with the same pride when he told me about Colin and his creativity and his acting ability, and Shari, and what a hard working accountant and wonderful person and mother she was. He was so proud of all of you. We can’t imagine the hole his passing has left in your lives. We know that he hated to leave you. We are so sorry for your great loss. You are in our thoughts and in our prayers.
Randy, Rosemary and Ian Leifer
Shari, I am sorry for your loss of such a great friend. Sandy, Anika and I will keep you in our prayers.
On behalf of the staff and Commissioners of the Renton Housing Authority, we are sorry for your loss and our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Thank you Todd, you will be missed. I pray that you are in a better place now. May God continue to bless you and your family.
Shari,
I was very saddened when Kevin told me that he saw Todd’s obituary in the paper. Our home life as children was not a happy one, but you and Todd always had a smile and kind words for us, and invited us to do things. Both Kevin and I appreciated it more than you and Todd could imagine.
We can also appreciate what you are going through as we recently lost our oldest sister, Joan, to metastized breast cancer. It was so hard to watch her in so much pain. Although I will always miss her, I am relieved her pain has ended.
At Joan’s memorial service, I played a song by Paul Hardcastle called “You may be gone.” The words of that song are reprinted below. I hope it gives you and your family as much comfort as it does me in this time of great loss and sadness.
You May Be Gone
Written by Paul Hardcastle
In loving memory
This song is for you
A special lady
So warm and true
You’d always show me
How much you cared
In times of trouble
You’d always be there
And for your children
You did all you could
You make my life
Happy and good
Then came the news
It cut like a knife
It was the coldest day of my life
It seems that time
Was not on your side
Your right to live
Had been denied
You may be gone
But you’ll never be forgotten
You may be gone
But I still about you often
I don’t know how
I can’t say when
But I know that one day
We’ll meet again
Maybe in heaven
Where you made your home
You’re with the angels
Not on your own
And now I’m lookin’
At your picture
And it’s hard to believe
I won’t see you no more
But I’m gonna say thank you
The only way I can
By keep on tellin’ you
Again and again
You may be gone
But you’ll never be forgotten
You may be gone
But I still think about you often
From when I wake up
Till I go to sleep
These memories I’ll always keep
The stairway to heaven
You have now climbed
Eternal peace I hope you’ll find
You may be gone
But you’ll never be forgotten
You may be gone
But I still think about you often
You may be gone
But I won’t forget you, no
I hope somehow
This song will get through
To let you know, let you know
We’re still thinkin’ of you
We’re still thinkin’ of you
I don’t know how
I can’t say when
But I know, yes I know
I’m gonna see you again
You may be gone
You’ve climbed the stairway
But you’ll never be forgotten
To heaven
What a gift you were to the Flyers and to S.C.O.R.E. You made life alot easier for your fellow coaches, thanks to your commitment and organization. You and your family are kept in my prayers.
Garry, Donna, and family,
I didn’t have the pleasure of meeting Todd, but had heard many wonderful things about him. The memories that you have will always be with you. He is now at peace and no longer in pain. I deeply regret your loss.
With deepest sympathy to the Richardson family,
Mike, Nancy, Matthew, Brian, and Kevin Dosch
Mike was Kevin and Stefan’s T-Ball and “Coach – Pitch” baseball coach when they were 6 and 7 years old.
My deepest sympathy to the Richardson and Woods family.
Shari, when we talked at our 20 year reunion, I had no idea what you and Todd were going through. I am so sorry. My mother told me Todd wasn’t well on July 12th, when she came out to my house for my sons birthday. I didn’t hear anything else until she had attended the funeral. Please, e-mail if you want. Take care of yourself. Love, Cindy
Shari, Stefan & Colin,
Our deepest sympathies are with you and you families.
The proceeding memorial is a fine tribute to Todd. It made me wish I had known Todd better. It was obvious from the times we had met that Todd was commited to his family and lived a honorable life. The quality of the life he led and shared is passed on to your childern. My thoughts are with you
My prayers are with you and your family. Todd was a wonderful person and you must miss him terribly. Todd was my manager on two different occasions, most recently a year and a half ago. He was a great person in a crisis and always had good suggestions on what to do. I appreciated his positive, can-do attitude coupled with his calm demeanor. I will always remember him taking three hours one afternoon – when he was very busy himself – to help me wrestle through an assignment change decision that I was facing. His direction and advice were key parts of the decision and he agreed that I should make the change even though it put his group in a bind. I miss his friendly smile and the unique perspectives he brought to our organization.
Todd was wonderful. We had the opportunity to assistent coach baseball together every other year for the past several. I will alway treasure the memories and use Todd as a shining example of how to be a great father.
Shari,
We go back a long way. As a single Mom myself, you will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. Our kids will forever be first. I will miss seeing you at that certain time of year, and I wish you all the best..
Sarah Henry Rystrom
For Todd’s family,
I worked with Todd throughout his career at Boeing. Todd was always so helpful and very intelligent. If he didn’t have the answer he know where to find it. I will always remember Todd as a very pleasant, happy person who performed an outstanding job with the utmost integrity. I share in your grief but am thankful for having known Todd. Boeing was a better place because of Todd. My deepest sympathies to all of his family. Sincerely, Michele Fette
Shari, Stefan, Colin and all of the Richardson and Wood Family members,
Mark, Ian and I extend our deepest condolonces. I thought you would like to have a copy of the note I read yesterday at Todd’s services. Thank you for the opportunity to share the thoughts.
Dear Todd,
I want to thank you for some of your great traits which are excellent examples of how to live a good life and that I try to carry with me as I go through my own life.
Thank you for your quiet leadership and your approachable nature. As a leader, you were an excellent listener and because of that, when you spoke, everyone knew it would be worthwhile listening to what you had to say. Your subtle way of leading also made you extremely approachable. With someone so approachable and non-threatening, the lines of communication were always open and your influence was enormous.
Thank you for always treating people with respect. You showed us through your behavior that when you treat others with respect at all times, respect would come back to you in spades. I cannot think of anyone more highly regarded by so many people at work than you.
Thank you for setting the bar high for yourself and others. This trait never came across as simply expecting too much of others, but a way of making those around you see how much they could accomplish if they set their mind to it. Your winning combination of quiet leadership, respectfulness and setting the bar high was an inspiration.
Thank you for your “joie de vive”, your joy of life. You were always quick to laugh and enjoyed a humorous situation or story. You were a terrific audience giving those around you the stage to entertain you! You were also a great wit and entertainer yourself. Humor is a great icebreaker and you knew that. Thank you for sharing yours.
Most of all, thank you for being my friend and colleague. I will miss you terribly, but I promise to honor your memory by keeping these and many other positive traits with me.
Your friend and one of your biggest fans,
Chris
Todd was an exceptional person to work with and I’ll miss that. Anyone who puts as much effort into being with his boys and family as Todd did has his priorities straight..
From the Schmeck Family, Betty, Jeff, Teri, Glen and Jason
There are no words that I can give with you that will take away the sorrow you are feeling right now. Please take comfort from those around you, who love and support you. We all share that sorrow with Todd’s passing.
Gary and Donna
I am so sorry…to lose a child is the worst. As you may know, I lost Dawn 6 years ago July 13.
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.
Donna, if you feel the need to talk, please feel free to contact me.
With Deepest Sympathy
Todd was the best soccer coach I ever had. He was sort of quiet but loud when he wanted to be. Whenever I came in from the game, he always had something to correct me on. That was how he helped me become a soccer player. This also helped the team in 2002 and 2003 have an almost perfect season. I’ll miss him.
Aaron Bumgarner, #4
Todd, you were the only coach to ever say “Stop scoring” during a game when the score was 10 to zero. I will miss you.
Branden Pawliuk, #13
Todd, we will miss you so.
When your time comes
You will know
That it’s when God needs you
so you will go
Find the light,
It’s up so high,
Over the mountains
In the sky.
Up in the clouds,
God will wait,
Until you come,
To open the gate.
When He does,
Walk inside,
For you have found the light,
The light that leads to
eternal life.
Rest in peace Todd.
Dear Garry and Donna,
My heart reaches out to you and your family. Having lost my granddaughter last year, I know all of you are devastated. Todd must have been a wonderful person, with you as his family. I hold you all in my thoughts and prayers. May God bless you and keep you close to His heart.
Vi hade turen att lära känna Todd när han var utbytesstudent hos oss i vårt hem i Sverige 1979. Vi kände Todd som en intelligent, förstående och ödmjuk person. Vi har under en lång tid följt Toddds kamp mot sjukdomen och har förstått att han haft stort stöd av hela sin familj.
Våra tankar och djupaste sympatier med familjen, speciellt Shari, Stefan och Colin.
Ni finns i våra tankar önskar Todds svenska familj, Gerd och Ingvar, Jonas och Ulla med barnen Caroline, Josefine och Charlotte, Magnus och Camilla med sonen Noah samt Malin och Thomas.
In English:
We were fortunate to get to know Todd when he was an exchange student in our home in Sweden in 1979. We knew him as an intelligent, understanding and humble person.
We have followed Todds struggle with his illness and understand that he has had strong support from all his family.
Our thoughts and deepest symphaty are with the ones left behind, especially Shari, Stefan and Colin.
With love from Todds swedish family, Gerd and Ingvar, Jonas and Ulla and their daughters Caroline, Josefine and Charlotte, Magnus and Camilla with their son Noah and Malin and Thomas.
I knew Todd since his youth and was inspired by his out going and active personality. Let us celebrate what he has accomplished in such a short lifetime.
Todd was a good man, a good coach, a great role model, and was well liked. Take comfort in knowing he left a legacy of having a positive influence in the lives of many boys in our community, many of whom will someday follow in his foot steps. Todd will be missed, but not forgotten. Our community is a better place for Todd having been a part of it. – Mike Hatton, President 5-Star Athletic Association
Shari, Stefan & Colin
Your husband and Papa was part of our lives for a long time. We celebrated many special events together and lots of just good times.
Stefan & Colin when papa picked you up at my houe after work he was always so interested in everything you had done that day. It was great fun to watch him play baseball and basketball with you. He changed many diapers, gave baths, and as you grew older he was always there to help you with your homework.
Remember how he would rush in the door and first words were”Ready for practice Stefan?”
Colin how he loved to watch you dance. He was so proud of you in the Secret Garden and your Lewis and Clark play at school this year.
Shari, You brought home a nice young guy from school one day and it was a pleasure to see him become a wonderful caring husband to our daughter, We saw the love in his eyes when he looked at you, how he treasured you and looked after you.
Remember how I always liked my kitchen to myself when cooking, then one day I asked him to help and we joked he had finally made it.
Todd will always be in our hearts.
God looked around his garden
And found an empty place
He then looked down upon the earth,
And saw your tired face.
He put His arms around you,
And lifted you to rest.
God’s garden must be beautiful
He always takes the best.
He knew that you were suffering,
He knew you were in pain,
He knew that you would never,
Get well on earth again.
He saw the road was getting rough,
And the hills were hard to climb,
So He closed your weary eyelids,
And whispered, “Peace be thine”.
It broke our hearts to loose you.
But you did not go alone,
For part of us went with you.
The day God called you home.
All our love,
Mom & Dad
Todd was one of my best friends in elementary school. Even then he was smart, funny and positive–the type of person that others like to be around.
Donna and Gary, Kelli and Chad, and Shari–it’s been so long since I’ve seen any of you, but I will always have very fond memories of Todd, so I thank you for helping to make him who he was and for sharing him with me.
There are a number of memories I have of Todd,Like what a pain in the butt he was on the opposing side of a soccer field. But the one I know I will remember as long as I live is the time I had a falling out with a mutual friend and coach “It got kinda ugly” I remember talking to Todd about not being sure I could handle the pressure of coaching under the circumstances. Todd looked at me with a straight face and said “don’t worry, I’ll protect you” It sounded silly but I felt so much better.
Todd is the strongest man I’ve ever known and that is how I’ll remember him.
May God be with during this time of mourning.
May He give you peace and comfort.
Todd, it has been a privilege to know you and work for you at Boeing. You were always in good spirits and always had a positive outlook on everything.
You will be greatly missed. Ken
I will missed one of the best manager I ever had. Todd was always patient and kind. Always ready to explain even my most stupid questions and I had many. He was intelligent and knew much yet so modest. May God blessed his soul. My condolences to Shari, Stefan and Colin and the rest of the family.
Todd was someone I always enjoyed seeing or spending time with, whether it was discussing work or hobbies – especially skiing. Todd was a special person who was always helping where ever he could. I feel honored to have shared a small part of his life. I will miss him and my sympathies are with his family.
Todd was a wonderful co-worker. He will be missed.
We remember “my friend Todd” as our son, Jay, born 3 months earlier always used to refer to himwith love. The wiry, happy little boy who walked months before he was one year old, as if he knew he had to experience all there was of this life quickly. Such a nice friend and second cousin to our little boys growing up at family gatherings. We danced at your wedding and had so much fun. All grown up,Todd and Shari were so easy to talk to, sharing their lives with us in the older generation at more extended family gatherings. You are such a special family and we love you and grieve with you at this loss of a life lived so brilliantly and quickly. God Bless you and keep you all.
I hired Todd into Boeing1985 on the reccomendation of VP Everett Webb.What a great and talented young man. He was destined to be a top Boeing manager.He made the Boeing products better and safer and made many friends.May the Lord be with his family. Fond memories. Don Lovell Sr
May peace be bestowed upon you and your family. From this day forward and evermore… Uncle Ed and Aunt Loraine
Todd has my great respect and admiration. His quiet dignity and unbelievable courage give the rest of us something to aspire to. Thank you Todd for taking time to make this world a better place.
Shari and family,
Theresa’s and my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Terry Wiest
Todd; Words can not express what I want to say. You have been a constant inspiration to me, simply stated an amazement, I have witnessed some of your struggles and pain,without a doubt I was completly “awestruck” with your sheer determination, and your will to keep on going. How many hills you had to climb, you did not have it easy. You left us to soon my friend and my heart is broken for the time we did not have. I love you! Patty