"JR, my email buddy, we got each other through some really difficult times in both of our lives. You never failed to raise my spirits. You listened with an open heart and open mind. You rejoiced at my joys and triumphs, and commiserated at my failures and heartaches. I'm so glad you found happiness with Ginnie. No one deserved happiness more than you. I will miss your quick wit and quirky humor. Thank you for being my friend."
In loving memory of
JOHN MICHAEL RICHARDSON
July 5, 1952 - May 16, 2010
Early on May 16th, a glorious U.P. morning, John "JR" Michael Richardson's soul departed this earth, leaving behind friends and family, wonderful memories of him and many lives enriched for having known him.
John believed in joyful adventure. He arrived in Marquette in June of 2006 from Springfield, Missouri in order to be with his rediscovered life partner, Ginnie Killough, and he quickly learned to love the town, the lake and trees and snow, and the people. The two were married one year later at sunset at the Hiawatha Music Festival in Tourist Park, "on the rocks", as John always liked to say. Theirs was a short but rich and luminous marriage, every day savored and explored together.
John was known for his ready smile, delightful sense of humor and generous selflessness. He was also remarkable for his writing skills and his way with words by which he made his living as an advertising writer. He was a strong, supportive and steadfast stepfather to his stepson Alexander, and Al will be indebted to John for his efforts for Al for the rest of his life.
John always said he wanted his headstone to read "Wow!... That was fun!", and that accurately summarizes his positive and adventurous attitude toward living. We only wish there could have been more earthly adventures with John.
John was born on July 5th, 1952 to Tooken Richardson (now Cade) and William Richardson in Detroit, MI. He is survived by his wife, Virginia Killough of Marquette; his daughter Kaitlin (Philip) Nolte of Akron, OH; his son Ryan Fabian and grandson Nicholas Fabian of Springfield, MO; his step children Amelia Smith of Minneapolis, MN, Fiona Smith of Lansing, MI and Alexander Smith of Marquette; his mother, Tooken Richardson Cade of Rome, GA; his brothers Patrick (Gretchen) Richardson of Marietta, GA, Clint (Frances) Richardson of Atlanta, GA, and Thomas (Tammy) Richardson of Rome, GA; and his mother-in-law Sally Killough of Midland, MI. He is also survived by several beloved nephews, nieces and grandnieces.
John was preceded in death by his father, William Richardson.
Family and friends are encouraged to join in celebration of John's life and spirit on Wednesday, May 19th from 5pm to 8pm at his home, 1710 Harbour View Drive in Marquette.
Memorial contributions in John's name may be directed to the Hiawatha Music Festival, the Autism Society of Michigan, and the Upper Peninsula Home Health and Hospice organization.
The Canale-Tonella Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements where memories may be shared at www.canalefuneral.com
Tributes
"Kaitlin , Ginnie and all whose lives were touched by John , nothing can fill the loss , but the wonderful memories can certainly give you comfort as you grieve . He was a wonderful Father who not only got to see his daughter suceed so much in her studies but also saw her get married . He so often smiled but on that day he absolutely glowed . Much Love , Mike and Julia Walsh"
"So sorry for your loss, he will be missed. May God give you comfort and peace in days to come."
"Ginnie-Steve and I are so sorry about your loss of John. We know his ready smile will be missed by you, Kaity, and so many others. Gayle and Steve Walsh"
"Memories of JR always bring a smile to my face. I loved John as he led us in "Disciple" study, and as the group bonded. I certainly enjoyed his "Jesus" in Cotton Patch Gospel (loved being the devil, as I was always aggravating him in some way). I have lost a good friend, and will miss him. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Rosemary and Clarence Kammerer"
"J.R. was such a good teacher, and always an inspiration to his friends at Westminster. One of our fond memories of him is "The Cotton Patch" production. We had such fun! We'll miss J.R. and his passionate spirit."
"What a truly good hearted man. I have never seen anyone give so much, fight so hard, and ask for so little. And always with humor and exceptional kindness. I sure will miss you friend."
"Ginnie and families, It is with saddened heart that I write this. May you find peace and the void you feel in your heart eventually be filled with happy times shared with John. Take care, Pat"
"JR was a wonderful friend and you are all in my thoughts and prayers."
"John you will be missed. If there was ever an Esprit de Corps award for band parents, you would be the winner. You motivated and inspired everyone encountered. You always had a way to make me smile. I will always cherish our friendship and your wonderful children."
"JR, as we all knew him, was an inspiration at so many levels. Professionally, he always worked to raise the bar for himself as well as for those around him. The courage it took for him to take a stand both frustrated some but made all who worked with him better. Outside of work, he was passionate about something all of the time. His passions may have changed, but no matter what it was, he was in it 100%. This, with everything else he stood for, always impressed me. He will be missed."
"Sorry to hear of your loss, Ginnie. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family."
"Ginnie -- JR was one of the first people I met when I came to Westminster, and I will remember him always. What a great guy, great sense of humor, a joy to be around. You were an answer to prayer for him -- I'm just sorry you didn't have more time together. Peace and comfort, Ellen Brantley"
"Ginny and Kaitlin, I am so sorry for your loss. I will always remember J.R. as a great guy and his interest in marching bands. Carol Frichette, Westminster"
"We are so sorry to hear of John's passing. He was a good father to his children and will be sorely missed by them. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Ginnie and also with Ryan and Kaitlin."
"Hoping and praying that the Lord give you peace and healing in the days and weeks to come."
"We are very sorry for your loss but also grateful to have known John during his time in Marquette. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers."
"My memories of Uncle John growing up are truly some of my most cherished memories. Uncle John was always able to make others around him so happy with his warm and infectious sense of humor. My love to you all. Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:28-31"