Obituary of John Roger Richards

John Roger Richards of Acampo, passed away in Lodi on May 25, 2007 at the age of 84. Mr. Richards was born in Canton, Ohio on July 31, 1922 to John and Helen Richards. He served in the United States Army during WWII from 1942-1946. He moved to California, settling in the Bay Area, first San Bruno and then Antioch. He later made his home in the Jackson area for a number of years, and eventually moved to Acampo. He worked for Cal Trans as a Civil Engineer for 32 years before his retirement. John was a highly accomplished man who loved the outdoors. He was a licensed pilot, boat certified skipper for sailing, skier, scuba diver and a world traveler. He enjoyed people, and he was a wonderful story teller, who was very Irish, and very proud of his Irish heritage. John felt a strong connection with his relatives in Ireland. He was a member of the Elk's Lodge in Stockton, National Ski Patrol, Avalanche Experts, Sons of St. Patrick in Jackson and St. Joachim Catholic Church. He is survived by his wife, Helen Richards of Acampo; two daughters, Kathleen (Peter) Collins of Stockton and Dereen (Dave) De Schryver of Mokelumne Hill; step-son, Selmer "Jay" (Diana) Olson of Gilbert, Arizona; two grandsons, Jay Olson and Clayton Olson; sister, Lois Matekel of Auburn and numerous nieces and nephews. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, and he will be missed. He was preceded in death by his sister, Bettie Mack and brother, Paul "Buster" Richards. There was no visitation, and services were private. In lieu of flowers, family requests that memorial contributions be made to Hospice of San Joaquin, 3888 Pacific Avenue, Stockton, CA 95204-1953.