It is with great sadness that the family of Willis Leslie Richardson share the news of his passing on Sunday February 4, just days before his 90th Birthday, at the Dr George L Dumont University Hospital Centre in Moncton.
Willis leaves behind his loving wife Roberta (Johnson), son Steve (Harley Davidson) and daughter Leanne (Greg Petrie). Willis was born in New Zion, NB. Willis also leaves behind one sister Dorothy (Dot) West of Fredericton and many Nieces, Nephews, and friends. He was predeceased by his parents Everett and Annie (Rogers) Richardson, brothers Oscar, Frederick and Harold and sisters Ethel Matheson and Greta McNamera.
Graduated from Minto Memorial High School in 1953 and came to Moncton to begin Industrial Arts (shop) course to become a teacher. He later studied further in Peoria, Illinois and received a BA and BEd from Universite de Moncton in 1970’s taking evening and summer courses to further his career. His first few years teaching were in Centerville, NB and Edith Cavell in Moncton. He soon moved to Queen Elizabeth School and completed his 35 year career there, primarily as the industrial arts teacher and several years as vice principal.
Willis and Roberta were introduced by one of Willis’ high school and college friends who was teaching at the same school as Roberta in Riverview, the courtship lasted a couple of years before they married in Berry Mills on December 31st, 1960.
Away from his career he enjoyed gardening, golfing, woodworking, curling, bowling, hunting and his camp, and travelling. After retirement he volunteered a lot of his time to projects and committees at First Moncton Baptist Church.
Willis was one of the original members at Country Meadows Golf Club, and is a Life Member. Besides the golf and the friendships made there he enjoyed being involved with development of the golf course and clubhouse in the early years. The Men’s Night Trophy "W.L. Richardson Cup" was named in his honor many years ago.
Willis (Dad) was a wonderful man, husband and Dad, loved life and his family, met all challenges especially the health ones with a positive outlook, there was always more to do and more time needed to share and do the things he loved to do. He loved to spend time with family and share the accomplishments of his family with others. His sense of humour will never be forgotten by those who got to know him.
Richardson Family would like to thank Tracy and staff at McNair Manor at 44 Beechwood and the Extra Mural Nurses and Occupational Therapists for their care over the past year, and the Nephologists and Dialysis nurses who have cared for him over the past 7 years, where he considered them more than caregivers, many of those nurses became his friends that he saw 3 times a week. Thank you to staff of the 3rd and 4th floors that cared for him on a few occasions over the past few years, and Dr Corey Burton his family physician for his care and compassion.
Arrangements are in the care of Cobb Funeral Home and Cremation Center 330 Whitepine Rd, Riverview (869-2007), family flowers only, in leu of flowers donations to the charity of the donor’s choice would be appreciated. Visitation will be held Thursday February 8 from 6-8 pm at Cobb Funeral Home. A Funeral service will be held at Moncton First Baptist Church, 157 Queen St, Moncton on Friday February 9, 2024 at 1pm with reception to follow.