John R. Richards, affectionately known as “Big Dad” by his family and friends, passed away peacefully at the age of 91 on May 22, 2012, in the arms of the Lord.

John was a proud, hardworking and honorable man who served his country as a highly decorated pilot in the Air Force, earning the Distinguished Service Cross during WWII. After the war, he entered civilian life as a general contractor, commercial fisherman, fire chief of Jemez Springs, owner and CEO of NM Chemical Corporation, rancher in Santa Rosa and land developer at Conchas Lake. John was born in Tacoma and he and Beth divided their time between New Mexico and Washington state over the years, on both Whidbey Island and Lake Roosevelt. John and Beth were members of St. Hubert’s Catholic Church in Langley and leave behind many good friends on Whidbey.

John was a lifetime member of the American Legion in Jemez Springs, member of the 8th Air Force Historical Society, the P-38 Pilots’ Association and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. When he wasn’t raising kids and working, he loved to fish, hunt and play with his boats and other toys.

John is survived by his wonderful wife of 66 years Beth, and his 11 children, Cathy Strom (husband Jeff, son Chris) Ronny (children Randi, Brian and Lance), Robby (children Shane, and Kayla and Robby), Mary Beth Weiland (husband Bill, children Kyle and Crystal), Jeff (wife Linda, children RJ and Amanda) and Scott of New Mexico. In Washington state, children Gary, Happy (wife Debbie and children Lindsey and Lane) Chris (wife Susie and children Daniel and Hope), Kenny (wife Cid and children Brandon, Brittany and Cory and Jesse Jennings) and Steve (wife Linda and children Sean, Jake, Stevie Jo and Katie Beth). John left behind 21 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren who all loved and respected him dearly. He is also survived by his sister Donna Welsh of Tacoma.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in John’s name to the El Ranchitos De Los Ninos. http://elranchitonm.org/donate.html. Services will be held in Albuquerque on May 31. The family would like to thank the staff and volunteers at the Veterans Hospital in Albuquerque, and his coffee buddies, who always provided that first good laugh in the morning.