Gerald (Jerry) Michael Richardson

YAKIMA - It is with great sadness, but also with peace of mind and heart; we will remember Gerald (Jerry) Richardson. He has passed from this earth on May 24, 2012 to a greater place to join his fellow friends who went before him.

Jerry M. Richardson was born in June of 1943 and spent his childhood in Selah. He was a graduate of St. Joseph grade school, Marquette High School and graduated from Gonzaga University. After completing his education, he then became an avid reader of history, especially the Civil War era.

In his early adult years, he lived in Pomeroy where he farmed the rich land growing wheat and raising cattle. He was proudly named Garfield County Cattleman of the Year. During this time, his first marriage resulted in 3 sons. He continued to farm this area until his move to Yakima in the late 1970s. Then along with his brother Dennis they worked for Haney Trucking owned and operated by their father, Norm Richardson.

Later he would help develop along with his parents, Norm and Mary Richardson, the mobile home park known as Sun Country Estates. It really started with a bang, with the grand opening on May 18, 1980, was the same day as the Mount St. Helens eruption. After that there were no more explosions and the family business continued to prosper.

He was very sports minded even at an early age. He spent many years on Selah’s swim team "Selah Dolphins" traveling around the state for different swim meets. He was a basketball player for the Marquette Squires. He started skiing at White Pass at the young age of nine. His passion for skiing continued throughout his life taking him to some of his favorite ski resorts, including Whistler, Schweitzer, and Sun Valley. He also took many trips with his coffee buddies to Deer Valley, Alta and many more in Salt Lake City. He dearly loved his hunting trips for deer and elk, whether on foot or horseback. He played tennis at the YTC and later with the Kissell tennis group. He and his wife were members of the Back Country Horsemen of Central Washington for the last twelve years enjoying the scenery of the Cascades on their Tennessee Walkers and the camaraderie of fellow horsemen with sponsored rides and campouts.

Jerry lived for his family and enjoyed life to the fullest. With his sons Wade, Jeremy and Zackary they shared many ski and hunting trips together in the winter and boating, water skiing, fishing and rafting in the summer. He attended their many high school wrestling and football games highlighted by being on the field moving the chains. Later he was there for the grandchildren watching them in their sports and even shared some horseback riding with them. He loved them all and loved being with them.

Jerry participated in the Religious Education at Holy Rosary Church, was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Rocky Mountain Elk foundation. He also received the Sheriff’s commendation certificate for saving the life of a neighbor lady from the attack of a rottweiler. He was past president of the White Pass Ski Club.

He is preceded in death by his father, Norm Richardson. Surviving family include his mother, Mary Richardson of Yakima, WA; his loving wife of 24 years, Joann Richardson of Yakima; sons, Jeremy Richardson, Zackary Richardson, Wade Richardson and his children, Catey Sue and Corbin all of Yakima, WA, brothers, Dennis (Kay) Richardson of Yakima, WA, Leo (Karen) Richardson of Spokane, WA; sister, Susan (Bob) Miller of Portland, OR.

Visitation and viewing will be from 12 noon to 6:00 p.m. Wednesday May 30, 2012 at Keith & Keith Ninth Avenue Chapel. A Vigil service will be conducted at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday at Holy Rosary Catholic Church. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, May 31, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. also at the Church. Memorial Contributions are suggested to the Alzheimer's Association or the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation c/o Keith & Keith Funeral Home. To share a memory of Gerald, please visit www.keithandkeith.com.

"Jerry was a Gentle Soul and made friends easily."