Mr. Richards was born in 1926, in Superior, Wisconsin to Nell and Les. He was in the Army Air Forces during WWII. He went on to join General Motors for a career spanning more than 40 years as an engineer, director, and plant manager.
During his extraordinary life he had a 70 year marriage partnership, raised three wonderful children, hosted President Ronald Reagan at his GM Plant in Lake Orion, and golfed with Arnold Palmer. He was an all-round sportsman who fished, skied, played tennis, was a competitive bowler in Detroit leagues, and a fine golfer who shot his age at 80 and had a hole in 1 the same year.
He married Rosemarie in 1950. They raised 3 children, had 6 grandchildren, and 2 great grandsons. After marriage, Les and Rosemarie lived in Detroit and later moved to Utica, Michigan where they lived for more than 30 years. Their children attended public schools, and college at UM, MSU, and CMU. Les and Rosemarie eventually move to Rochester, Michigan. His children largely stayed local and so they were surrounded by love and fun with family his entire life.
Les was known as a man of exceptional integrity, engineering skill, and outstanding leadership by those who worked with him; as a skilled and gentleman sportsman by those who played with him; and as an incredible parent who led by example. He was an outstanding father and provider who was also a friend, coach, and partner to his children and grandchildren.
To his wife Rosemarie he was a dedicated, reliable, fun, adventurous, supportive, and incredible partner for more than 70 years, from the day they met until the very day he died.
He is survived by his wife Rosemarie, daughters Robin and Susan, and son Mike, all of whom continue to live locally and support each other, along with his 6 grandchildren Scott, Rob, Mike, Alexis, Nikki, and Eric.
