JON RICHARDSON EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP

Jon's lifelong dedication to his shipmates and to creating educational opportunities that would help them do great things – both inside and outside the Navy. In Jon’s Memory we are raising funds for a single scholarship in Jon's name.

Jon Raymond Richardson passed away on April 8, 2021 in Tualatin, Oregon. Jon was born September 1, 1941 in St. Louis, Missouri and is survived by his wife of 56 years, Makiko “Micki” Richardson, his son, Kelly (wife Robin), daughter Dolores (husband Derek) nine grandchildren: Hannah (husband Ben), Joel, Ryan, Christa, Elyse, Claire, Rachel and Rebecca, and the recent addition of his first great-grandchild, Ethan. He is also survived by his sister, Kathy (husband Mike), brother Wally (wife Brenda), sister Susan, and sister-in-law Heidi.

Jon had a long career serving in the United States Navy, enlisting when he was only 17 years old. He served a total of 23 years as a Radioman, retiring in 1982 as a Master Chief Petty Officer.

After his career in the Navy, Jon continued to serve our country as a civil servant, helping sailors pursue their education through programs geared toward active-duty military members. While Jon may have left the military, his heart was always led to serve his country and his fellow sailors. He loved this work and his colleagues so much that he waited to retire until just a couple of years ago at the age of 77.

But to have known Jon is to have known a fun-hearted, always laughing, find the funny in any situation kind of a guy. He also had many nicknames (Ray, Ray J, JR, Jack, Jackson, Rich, and of course Master Chief). If Jon was around, there was sure to be laughter. Not a day (or really a moment) would go by without some sort of sarcasm or funny joke… even when it might not be appropriate and said louder than anticipated in mixed company…

And he was the best grandpa. Nowhere else will you be able to find such a loving, patient, wise, and goofy Grandpa. He was the grandpa that rode ALL the rides at Disneyland, who challenged his grandkids in games (instead of letting them win), who gave really hard bear hugs, and who showed them that at the end of the day, how much you laugh and love is really all that matters. He cared so much for all of his grandchildren and was so proud of each and every one of them.

He was also an amazing Dad. He showed us kids how to work hard and be kind, because all the success in the world means nothing if you’re not kind and compassionate. And of course, he taught us how to laugh and love each other unconditionally, no matter what.

But most importantly, Jon was a wonderful, committed and attentive husband. The love between Jon and Micki rivals no others. Jon was a true gentleman and throughout all 56 years showed his love to his bride every day. One of the ways he showed his love that he was most proud of was his routine of bringing coffee to Micki in bed every morning. He did this without fail for 56 years. In fact, this was the very last thing he did before he left us.

The world has lost a great man, but the legacy will continue for generations.