Terence Edward Richardson

Terence Edward Richardson passed away peacefully on June 7, 2025, in Encinitas, California. He was 83 years old.

Born in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, on November 7, 1941, Ed moved with his family to the United States in August 1950. He graduated from Barstow High School in 1959 and soon enlisted in the U.S. Navy as an Electronics Technician. His outstanding service earned him a Secretary of the Navy appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy, where he graduated in 1965. He went on to serve with distinction aboard nuclear submarines until 1973. Ed also obtained a MSA in Management Engineering from George Washington University; and a MS in Mechanical Engineering from California Polytechnic Institute. Ed served on the Engineering Advisory Board for the University of California, Berkeley; the Engineering Board for California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo; and served as Chairman of the Board for the Industry Leaders Council of ASCE.

Following his military service, Ed embarked on a long and accomplished engineering career with Bechtel, where he spent 32 years. He held several senior leadership roles, including President of Bechtel Civil, President of Bechtel Infrastructure Corporation, and Corporate Manager of Engineering, where he led a team of over 7,000 engineers worldwide. Even after retiring, his passion for innovation continued. Ed spent four years working on the development of fusion power with Tri Alpha Energy as Chief Operating Officer.

In 2010, Ed received the OPAL (Outstanding Projects and Leaders) lifetime achievement award for Construction from the American Society of Civil Engineers as well as the Outstanding American Civil Engineer award for innovation in engineering.

In the summer of 1974, Ed met the love of his life, Betsy. They were married for over 50 years and built a warm, joyful life together. In 2012, they moved from Orinda, CA, to Encinitas to be closer to their family. Ed loved walking the Rail Trail in Encinitas, reading, playing golf, traveling, and spending quality time with his loved ones.

He often said he had a full and satisfying life, more time than he could ask for, and felt immense pride in his family. He is survived by his devoted wife, Betsy Richardson; his three children, Kristen Richardson Faber (Steve), Ian Richardson (Ann), and Elise Richardson Johnson (Ross); and his cherished grandchildren, Colin, Reed, and Henry.

Ed will be remembered for his brilliant mind, deep humility, quiet strength, and the love he gave so freely to those around him. His legacy lives on in the lives of his family and the many people he influenced throughout his life and career.

A service will be held with close family and friends at St. Peter’s Church in Del Mar, CA on July 19th at 2pm.