Gary D. Richards

Gary D. Richards, 81, of Vancouver, WA passed away peacefully surrounded by his family in his home. His was preceded in death by his parents Robert John Richards and Mary Jewell Cheek Richards. He is survived by his loving wife Shirley of 52 years, daughter Marianne (Stephen) Burgess, granddaughter Awbrey (Jordan) Johnson, his brother Jimmie (Liz) Richards, brother-in-law L.Z. (Debbie) Johnson, sister-in-law Nellie (Roger) Wilson, brother-in-law Jeffrey (Merle) Johnson, and numerous nieces and nephews. Gary was a graduate of Strathmore High School, Strathmore, CA where he ran track, a member of chorus, Spartan Squires and the school's Honor Chorus. During his high school years Gary became what is called a "night sleeper' at the local fire department and during the summer months he worked with the CAL FIRE fighting wildfires. That is where he developed his love of service to others. He was a proud US Air Force veteran where he continued with his love of serving others in fire and rescue for 8 years. Once he left the Air Force Gary was still serving others at the Lindsay Fire Department, Lindsay CA and later went on to also serve as a police officer. After serving for 7 years in Lindsay, Gary and family moved to California City, CA where he continued serving his community there as a firefighter and police officer. Gary's career continued with a move from there to Lockheed Martin Fire Department, Palmdale, CA and from there he continued his career in the Security Education and Training Department where he developed a love of teaching others. His next career move was to a private prison for CCA where he was still teaching others until he retired in 2009. At his passing, Gary was a member of Laurelwood Baptist Church, Vancouver WA where he loved to participate in Bible studies and fellowship with fellow members. Gary was also a member of Celebrate Recovery Ministry at Liberty Bible Naz, Vancouver WA. He went on several mission trips to Panama where he helped to build homes with Homes for Hope. He was one proud Papa in 2016 when his son-in-law Stephen and granddaughter Awbrey were able to go, 3 generations serving on the mission fields of Panama. No matter where the moves took him in his life, Gary was faithfully serving his Heavenly Father and his local church family by witnessing and teaching others about his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Graveside service will be held, Wednesday, March 19, 2025, 3:00pm at Evergreen Memorial Gardens, 1101 N.E. 112 th Avenue, Vancouver, WA with Pastor Erik Hallworth officiating. We will be Celebrating Gary's Life with a party in May. In lieu of flowers donations to Gary Sinise Foundation which supports veterans and first responders, www.garysinisefoundation.org/give

Gary D. Richards

May 17, 1943 - March 10, 2025