George Richards

All George Richards’ friends and relatives can recall a memorable story or colorful anecdote either by him or about him. His whimsical charm rewarded him with lifelong sets of friends from each chapter of his life, whether in Canada or in the US. § From his family, we thank you for remembering him. Godspeed, Captain George.

LUCKNOW, ONTARIO § Born in 1938, George grew up on the Richards farm on Route 86. He combined hard work with a zeal for friends, music, cars, and mischief. George backstopped Lucknow’s 1952 and 1953 province-wide championship teams. Gathering with his beloved cousins, aunts and uncles was a lifelong tradition. George will be sorely missed by everyone he touched, closest being his wife Joan (Akey), sister Jean Anne Murray (Almonte, ON), and brother Dick Richards (North Gower, ON). His mother Clara (MacDonald) and father Orland predeceased him in 1972 and 1982.

BRUCE COUNTY, ON § George’s devotion to Lucknow deepened in retirement with August stays at a Lake Huron cottage visiting with schoolmates and family in the area and celebrating his Scottish heritage. He was a prolific reader (non-fiction) and a student of investment. His largest retirement treasures though were granddaughter Liz Catherine (Delaware) and grandson Tom (Montreal), plus cheering on his nieces and nephew.

AMERICAN AIRLINES § George and Joan made Sparta, NJ their permanent home in 1967 after he was hired by American Airlines in 1966. Sparta served well for his 31-year career, being primarily based out of New York City. He steadily rose in seniority as he flew a range of planes during his career with American, culminating in captaining 767s from JFK to London until 1997. He took great pleasure in the camaraderie of the crew and made lifelong friends.

CHEZ RICHARDS § The keystone of Sparta living for George and Joan was building their house in 1977. George enjoyably partnered with friends on this project. In retirement, George relished his leisure time: a spacious back porch, his hi-fi system, the daily NY Times paper, watching NHL games, and feeding his wood stove. George sociably volunteered 15 years for Meals on Wheels. In this house, George and Joan finished raising daughter Dawn (Greg Berghofer) [Toronto], son Jim [New Jersey], and daughter Ruth (NYC).

ROYAL CANADIAN AIR FORCE § American Airlines recruited George from the RCAF in 1966. George’s life had soared to new heights in 1961 when joined the Air Force. George trained as a pilot and rose to Flight Lieutenant. The RCAF yielded another set of esteemed colleagues for life. In retirement, George was a self-described “sought-after raconteur” who shared stories with his military buddies at the Sparta, NJ Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) post #7248. In addition, he contributed to the Royal Canadian Legion, branch 309, Lucknow.

UNIVERSITY of TORONTO § Before the RCAF, George had made yet another set of lifelong (and fun) friends at the Ontario Agriculture College (OAC). Afterwards in 1961, he finished at U of T with an Engineering degree. At OAC, he met his bride Joan. They married in 1961 and spent 64 years together. In retirement, they travelled widely, and many of these were adventures with other American Airlines “Grey Eagles.”

MEMORIAL VISITATION will be held on Thursday, May 22, 2025, from 4:00 to 6:30 pm (refreshments served) at Goble Funeral Home, 22 Main Street, Sparta, NJ. An Address of Remembrance will be at 6:00 pm.

INTERMENT will be early August of 2025 at Greenhill Cemetery, Lucknow, ON.

In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation to the VFW in Sparta, either online (link below) or by mail. Much appreciated.

https://sparta-vfw-number-7248.square.site/product/sparta-vfw-post-7248-general-fund/155

Sparta VFW Post 7248

66 Main Street

Sparta, NJ 07871