Funeral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting. However, we will be happy to accept obituaries from family members pending proper verification of the death.
Harold E. “Pete” Richards, 74, passed away Aug. 11, 2013, in White Salmon, Wash. Pete was born Oct. 29, 1938, in Newport, Wash., to Harold William and Margaret Huldah (Chappell) Richards. He grew up in Newport, and after high school he attended Eastern Washington University in Cheney and graduated in 1961. He continued his education at Oregon State University in Corvallis, where he graduated with a master’s degree in education.
On Feb. 7, 1958, he married Judith Ann Krahmer in Newport, and they have celebrated a shared life together for the past 55 years and were blessed with four daughters.
Pete was an educator and he taught at Finley, Wash., and Richland, Wash., school districts, Chief Joseph Jr. High School, Hanford High School and Carson and Stevenson, Wash., just before retiring. He was currently attending Our Redeemer Lutheran Church of Hood River but was an Elder in the Presbyterian Church (USA) ordained in 1985.
While living in Ketchikan, Alaska, he assisted and developed plans to repair many churches throughout Southwest Alaska.
Pete was also active in many extracurricular teaching associations including the TSA (Technical Student Association) of Washington, and a national leader in the TSA.
He enjoyed the Pacific Northwest and took an active interest in the environment. Pete also enjoyed gardening and working with wood; making many keepsake items that will be cherished (including his own urn).
Pete is survived and will be dearly missed by his wife, Judith Ann Richards, of Underwood, Wash.; daughters Gwendolyn Richards, of Underwood, Jacqueline Hodge (and husband, Rob), of Sammamish, Wash., Tracy Estrellado (and husband, Jose), of Moses Lake, Wash., and JoEllyn Richard Martel (and husband, Ron), of Mount Rose, Colo.; sister, Sylvia Richards of Newport, Wash.; and numerous grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, other distant family and many, many friends.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents; Richards, Chappells and Stoners, and parents; Harold and Margaret.
Services are planned for 4 p.m. Friday, Aug. 16, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1140 Tucker Road, Hood River, Oregon.
Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson’s Tribute Center (Funerals, Receptions, Cremations), 1401 Belmont Ave., Hood River, OR 97031; 541-386-1000.
Memorials are encouraged to be made in Pete’s name to Our Redeemer Lutheran Church for a special fund intended for the replacement of the pulpit and Lord’s Table.
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Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
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