Linford Richardson

Linford “Sonny” Lawson Richardson Jr., 69, went to be with his Lord on Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2011.

He was born Dec. 31, 1941 in Glendale, Calif. to Linford L. Richardson Sr. and Phyllis A. (German) Richardson.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Nancy (White) Richardson and a daughter, Robin Annette Richardson, both of Mount Vernon. He also leaves a brother, James Michael Richardson (Debra) and two half sisters, Nancy Carter (Bob) and Martha Peterson (Kerwin), and a half brother, Charles Egli and numerous nieces and nephews and cousins.

He grew up in the San Diego area of California but graduated from Poly High School in Riverside, Calif. in 1960. He then enlisted in the Army from 1960-63. He was employed by the Riverside Fire Department for three years after which he left and joined the Riverside Police Department. In 1982 he was appointed chief after coming up through the ranks within the department.

He retired in 1992 after 28 years with the city of Riverside. He relocated to Whidbey Island where he and his wife ran a bed-and-breakfast for five years. After moving to Mount Vernon in 2002, he pursued his passion: photography. He was a member of the Skagit Valley Camera Club, the Mount Baker Camera Club and the Photographic Society of America.

A memorial service is planned for 2 p.m. Jan. 8, 2012 at Grace Christian Fellowship, Mount Vernon. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society for research.

Please share your thoughts and sign the online guest register at www.hawthornefh.com. Arrangements are under the care of Hawthorne Funeral Home, Mount Vernon.