Obituary of Russell R. Richardson

Russ, 89, passed away with family by his side in Lacey, Washington, on May 1, 2014. Russ was born in Tacoma, Washington, to Ray and Marion Richardson. Ray and Marion separated in 1929, and from then on Russ and his mother moved frequently, living in Tacoma, Vaughn, White Star (Whites), Steilacoom, Jovita, Eatonville and Randle, where she worked as a cook and housekeeper. Their longest stint in one location was at Eatonville, where Marion operated a boarding and rooming house. Russ graduated from Eatonville High and those times and friends were among his most cherished memories. Marion’s ill health limited Russ’ career options after high school; he needed a job. Realizing the importance of financial security in the long run, he decided at that time to become a Tacoma police officer. However, he would have to wait four years until reaching the minimum of age 21 to apply. During the interim, he worked various jobs, including working for Milwaukee RR, before enlisting in the U.S. Army Air Force. He was commissioned as a TPD officer on August 30, 1947. He spent most of the next three years in the Traffic Division and was a solo motorcycle rider when recalled to active military duty during the Korean Conflict. That led to two years as a CID (Criminal Investigation) agent, including one year in Yokohama, Japan. Back on the TPD, he was a patrolman at night and a student at Knapp Business College during the day, earning certification in accounting and business administration. He moonlighted as a bookkeeper and income tax consultant for several years while successfully continuing his police career as a detective, lieutenant, and captain, ranking as an assistant chief when he retired after 25 years. Highlights of his career include graduation from the then prestigious FBI National Academy, and having been instrumental in the research and planning that led to development of the multi-agency communications and records center that became known as LESA. Following retirement from the TPD, Russ served Pierce County as a Law and Justice Planner until he became an administrative consultant for the Aberdeen and Hoquiam PDs as they sought to modernize management and operations. Next he oversaw security at the ill-fated Satsop Nuclear Power Plant construction project, ending his term there as a contracts administrator. Russ was especially proud to have earned a BA in Public Administration from UPS at age 50, and to have run two marathons (26.2 miles), one at age 66 and the second at age 67. Not satisfied with retirement, Russ served as an Aberdeen City Councilman for two years and as a commissioner for the Port of Grays Harbor for six years. Janet, Russ’s beloved wife of 37 years, died unexpectedly in March, 2012. Surviving are his four children and six step-children: Tracey (Jerry) Wells of Willits, CA, Roger (Cheryl) Richardson of Montana, Linda (Kelly) Keough of Puyallup, Mari Ann (Terry) Moran of Fairbanks, AK, Leonard Hoffman of Jacksonville, NC, Lawrence Hoffman and Deborah Hoffman of Puyallup, John (Deb) Long of Oroville, CA, Michael (Dianne) Long of Walla Walla, WA, and Joan (Marty) Hutchinson of The Dalles, OR. Also surviving are 23 grandchildren, 43 great­ grandchildren, and four great-great grandchildren. Looking back over his life, Russ summed it up like this: “I know but little of whence I came and naught of whither I go, but between was much like the midway at the Puyallup Fair – exciting ups and downs, spurts of speed countered by periods of pause, lots of laughs, even some tears, but all and all surely worth the price of admission. Wish I could give it another try.” In lieu of flowers, Russ suggested contributions to an educational scholarship of your choice. Please leave memories of Russ or condolences for his family in the Guestbook below.