Grandpa Richards
13 Mar
I didn’t want to have to write a sad post, but I have to. Yesterday, my Grandpa Richards passed away of a sudden heart attack. I got a call from my brother at around midnight. Even though Grandpa was 87, it was a surprise to everyone and he will be deeply missed by my large family who will now be converging on little Canton, Ohio to remember our kind and playful grandfather. Here, I want to make a list and invite others in the family to add their own comments about the things we will remember about Charles “Ralph” Richards.
1) He had the best woodshop in the basement and anytime we asked, he would help us make contraptions to our heart’s content.
2) He made me a step-stool when I was little (that’s in my kitchen today), a cradle, and a heart-shaped shelf (Beth’s was teddy-bear shaped).
3) He fought in World War II and loved to tell stories about it, especially the one where, in a moment of truce, he shared a can of beans with some German soldiers.
4) He always washed the dishes every Sunday… all of them (and there were a lot).
5) Even at 87, he liked to play around and be rough and tumble with the youngest grandchildren.
6) He always sat at the head of the table, where he drank a lot of coffee and ate peanuts and too much pie.
7) He liked to make funny noises when Grandma was talking… or just any time.
He rescued me from the apple tree when I climbed up too high and got stuck.
9) For years, he took care of a huge garden in the back yard and I loved to eat the strawberries from it.
10) He could fix anything.
11) He and Grandma came to everything important in my life… my baptism, first communion, high school graduation, wedding, etc.
12) He was never the tough one, but the first time I saw him cry was when my Dad died.
13) He had a great laugh.
It’s sad to know that the next time I go to Grandma’s house, he won’t be in the kitchen doing the dishes and greeting me.
We’ll all miss you Grandpa. Give my Dad a hug for me.
I’m so sorry to hear about your grandpa. The fact that grandparents are old doesn’t mean that it’s any easier when they pass away.
This is from my mom–
These are my additions to the memory of my father-in-law, Ralph Richards. Although I have not been an active member of the Richards family since the late 80’s I still have many loving memories of my father-in-law and the family that he led.When Wayne passed away he gave me a strong hug and agreed that there were still four children left that would indicate that he was once here, he existed,a part of him that would live on.I felt i was an important part of that.
I remember that he was strong willed and would climb the cherry tree and roof when he wanted.He grew and prepared the worlds finest horseradish.It was my favorite. It tasted great on roastbeef prepared by my mother-in-law Bernice. He always had something witty to say.He would always talk directly to me with what ever story he had to tell.I will never forget those Sunday walks to the store.He was always a part of every family senario.He read constantly.He worked many years at Republic Steel to support his family without a complaint.He was always there to help when we needed it.I love him.He will be missed.