Stanley J Richards

Stanley (Stan) Richards was born in Austin Texas, son of Ethel Mae Richards and Joe D. Richards. Stan served in the US Air Force as a Morse Code Intercept Officer, serving overseas. He was a resident of Tucson, Arizona for over sixty years, and taught in the Tucson Public School system for 22-years; teaching science, mathematics, and physical education, as well as coaching many teams for girl’s and boys’ basketball and track and field.

Stan was an extraordinarily caring man. Following his retirement from teaching, he and Cheryl Richards, his spouse of 57 years, took in profoundly handicapped children as foster parents. Most of these children were not able to walk and required intensive medical care to maintain their lives. In the home of Stan and Cheryl these children found safety, care and most importantly love. Stan learned the needs of each child, often being the first one to jump to their aide if something was wrong. He tended to each of these children as if they were one of their own – indeed, it was his habit when returning home from running errands, to check on each child to ensure they were OK…or simply to say hello. It was not an unusual sight to see Stan in his chair at night, fast asleep holding the hand of one of the children, so the child felt safe and loved. The lives of many children were blessed by his extraordinary love and patience.

Stan leaves behind many people that loved him, including his numerous golf-buddies (he was an avid golfer), and the many friends and neighbors for whom he was always there; the word “no” was not in his vocabulary if someone needed help. Stan leaves behind his wife Cheryl Richards, his two sons Todd and Eric, as well as his grandchildren, T.J., and wife Marissa, Alex, Olivia, Laila, and finally, his great-grandchildren – Milla and Cooper.

Stan left the world better than he found it, through this kindness and love.