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David Richards Obituary
David Merrill Richards, actor, bon vivant and treasured friend died June 11, 2009 in Burbank, California of cardiac arrest while undergoing treatment for leukemia. He was looking forward to celebrating his 63rd birthday the next day.
David was born on June 12, 1946 in Denver and graduated from Arvada High School in Arvada, Colorado in 1964. His zest for life and travel took him around the world as a professional guide and enthusiastic tourist. He had no favorite place, they were all "fabulous"!
David was a bright star in the Colorado theatre world. He performed at the Country Dinner Playhouse from 1979-95 and at many other area theaters.
In the mid 90s, David's career took him to Los Angeles, where he played fashion agent Sid Garber on "The Young and Restless" for three years. He also played the hillbilly narrator on the E! Network's "The Simple Life." David appeared in four Perry Mason movies with Raymond Burr and in several episodes of the Father Dowling Mysteries with Tom Bosley. His episodic television work included appearances on "Seinfeld", "The Young Riders", "Enterprise", "The Parkers", "Secret Santa", "ER", "TheCrossing" and "Party of Five".
While working and living in Los Angeles, David continued to make frequent trips back to Colorado to perform in many plays for the Little Theatre of the Rockies in Greeley as a professional guest artist alongside University of Northern Colorado theatre students. He last strode onto a Colorado stage in 2005 in "The Man Who Came to Dinner".
David was always singled out, especially in stage reviews, for his "deadly accurate comedic timing," "irresistible charm", and "ability to steal the show with ease." He brought those same qualities to his life off the stage. When David's friends were looking for someone to entertain guests on his 60th birthday, they recruited the master himself and he dazzled.
For all his sparkling performances on stage and screen, David's greatest role was as himself. He filled a room like he filled hearts - with his joyous laugh, generous spirit and unbridled enthusiasm. He was so brilliant at the fine art of telling a joke that no one could top him and pity those who tried. He loved movies, books, magazines, architecture, cars, boats, food, travel and, above all, people. He dreamed of traveling the Thames on a riverboat; his ashes will now make the trip.
He is survived by his adored ex-wife, Gillie Richards of Hove, England, stepchildren, Pascale, Laurent and Yann and countless friends.
David now has moved on to a new audience for his superlative joke-telling -- that's not thunder, it's laughter you hear from above.
A celebration of David's life will be held on July 26th. Please contact [email protected] for details.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for David Richards
Vanessa Whitney
July 14, 2020
Miss you, David, my sweet friend... Cannot believe it's been 11 years... Love you, Mr. Flennernan... Sincerely, Nessa (Mrs. Riboflavin)
Pat Carroll
July 28, 2009
I first worked with David Richards in Denver in EVERYBODY LOVES OPAL...and ever after found him to be a force majestic, on OR off stage. May the heavenly choir be the best audience you've ever played to, you wily magician! Peace and joy in the eternal, the longest run any of us will ever have. Pat Carroll
Libbey & Troy Wood
July 22, 2009
Dave, ol' buddy, ol' pal,
Your charm, your wit, your enthusiasm for life, and your ability to see the best in everyone will be greatly missed. We'll treasure the memories!
Judy Patterson
July 22, 2009
When we first met I recall thinking, "well finally where have you been."
now, I thank the universe for putting you in my life. I'll love you forever.
Vanessa Whitney
July 21, 2009
I love you and I miss you already, my sweet friend. Whenever I want to be with you, I'll have lunch at The French Marketplace, take a tour of Hollywood, and tell stories until I laugh myself silly. "Boyyyyyyy, do they pick up the nickels!" Thank you for sharing the stage with me, thank you for always believing in me. Emmy and I will never be the same without you, David. You, Mr. Flennernan, were one of a kind. xoxoxoxoxoxoxo Vanessa (aka Mrs. Riboflavin, aka Mrs. S.-M.)
Katrina Whitney
July 20, 2009
David was, quite simply, a gem! As a fortunate audience member in Denver and Greeley area theaters, I was always impressed by David's talent. More importantly, though, I have been blessed by his friendship with my sister and our family. Godspeed, David! We'll miss you!
Many thanks to the author of David's tribute -- it was beautifully written and absolutely captured his essence!
Judi Hofmeister
July 19, 2009
I worked with David at the Country Dinner Playhouse & remember that there wasn't a day (or a show) that went by that we didn't have the time of our lives! This past April he sent out an email telling us of his time in the hospital & that he "felt puny". This was my response to him, "You could never be puny David! Because your heart & gift of love is bigger than you can ever know. I know this because I've been given the gift of David Richards in my life! What a lovely gift & class act you are!" I will miss him immensely!
Rachel de Benedet
July 19, 2009
That really does capture David. Thanks to whoever wrote it. I knew David in Colorado, and he was not only a brilliant actor, but a sungular human being. He was superlatively supportive--and absolutely irresistible. I will never forget the gleam in his eyes, like a little mischievous boy, when he smiled.
Bev Jones
July 18, 2009
I had the pleasure of meeting David once on a special Mothers Day party for me. I was honored that he was there. He went into my heart immediately with his spirit and smile. What a wonderful man, and even though I only met him once, I will never forget him. Bev Jones, Missoula Montana
Sue Gottsegen-Leiser
July 18, 2009
I ADORED, David!!!!! We performed together at Country Dinner Playhouse, I was one of his agents for years for on-camera and voice work and, above all he was a wonderful friend! His tours around L.A. were priceless, his jokes, the best, his stories could not be topped, and his heart was humongous! I can't believe he's gone!
Jay & Trish Allen
July 17, 2009
The Obit says it all, David was a great person and the best friend a person could want, always entertaining and upbeat. He will be sorely missed but our vibrant memories will keep us happy.
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