Robert (Bob) Richards, a longtime resident of Elma, Washington, passed away June 27, 2024 surrounded by his family.
Bob was born on Dec. 12, 1950, to Lonnie and Ruth (Jones) Malone in Port Angeles, Washington. Bob was raised in Port Angeles, where he attended school through the 10th grade. He and his family relocated to Elma, where Bob was an active student athlete, excelling in both football and wrestling. He graduated from Elma High School in 1969, and went on to attend Olympic Community College before starting his career as a meat cutter. Bob worked proudly for Safeway for over 30 years. He was known for his skills as a butcher and worked many of his days off from Safeway at the local meat market. He also stayed busy during hunting season cutting and wrapping wild game for friends, or anyone who needed a hand.
In 1978, Bob met and married the love of his life, Janet (Gibson). Together, they built a treasured life, with their proudest accomplishments being their family — daughters, Jennifer and Jessica, and sons, Carter and Spencer. They opened their hearts and home to those in need of the love and warmth of a family, which later brought them their “bonus daughter,” Diane.
Bob’s greatest joys and happiest moments were those centered around his family. He was an avid sports lover and also loved to fish anytime he got the chance. Bob was a champion for kids and his community. He helped spearhead the community’s first Pee Wee Football League and spent nearly 20 years volunteering with Elma Little League Baseball; he served as president of the league, coached, umpired, and was an all-around fan of kids’ sports. He could be heard from blocks away coaching, cheering, or calling plays from behind home plate. Bob also volunteered and donated his time for community events, especially during the holidays when he played Santa.
His retirement years were spent bragging about his kids and grandkids to anyone who would listen, telling fish stories, and caring for his cherished pets. He traveled across the country spending time with his kids in their homes across the U.S., before settling in with his daughter Jessica and her family in the Portland area, where he spent the last 12 years.
Bob was predeceased by his father — Lonnie Malone, mother — Ruth (Jones) Haapa, sister — Patricia (Parsons) Richards, and wife – Janet (Gibson) Richards. He is survived by his brother – Lonnie (Myra) Malone, sister – Betty (Cliff) Echols, daughters – Jennifer (Jess) Calohan, Jessica (Jeff) Campbell, Diane (Tonya) Aimes, sons – Carter (Breanna) Richards, Spencer (Kayley) Richards, grandchildren – Jacob, Tyler, Constance, Logan, Alison, Alexander, Calla, Ryan, William, and Edith. Bob did not limit those he considered to be family to those he was related to, and he will be dearly missed by many.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to an organization that Bob felt passionate about — the Elma Little League, or the local Humane Society.
A Celebration of Life will be held to honor Bob on Saturday Aug. 17, at 11 a.m. at the Elma City Park at 520 N. 9th St. Elma, Washington.
