Name: Calling hours for Richard T. Richmond
Start: 2017-05-06T15:00:00.000Z
End: 2017-05-06T17:00:00.000Z
Location: Lake View Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens

Richard Richmond

Richard T. Richmond, 83, of Belleville, Ill., author, newspaper editor, columnist and feature writer for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, passed away at home April 26, 2017.

Mr. Richmond had a long, distinguished career. He wrote three nonfiction books and was nominated for several Pulitzer prizes. He was a columnist and rock music reviewer for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, and proud member of the Writers Guild of America.

Dick...that's what his friends called him, and Dick had many. He was born May 16, 1933 in Parma, Ohio. Dick served in the United States Air Force and was a member of the American Legion. He started his newspaper career at United Press International as a photographer. Dick once photographed a tornado. "I was lying in a ditch with things flying around and realized I wasn't even getting overtime," he said. Dick realized he needed an inside job and was promoted to bureau manager. After graduating from Washington University he was hired by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, where he was a feature writer and editor for the paper's award-winning Everyday section for 38 years.

Dick's three books included "Treasure Under Your Feet: the Adventurers' Handbook of Metal Detecting." This treasure-hunting compendium, published in 1975, is still regarded as one of the finest books on the subject. Dick also wrote "In the Wake of the Golden Galleons," (1977), and the bestselling "Produced by Contemporary" in 2008, the story of how Steve Shankman built Contemporary Productions.

Dick mentored and encouraged many new writers. Mystery writer and former newspaper columnist Elaine Viets credits Dick with starting her writing career and he provided valuable advice at a time when it was difficult for women to advance in newsrooms. James Beard Foundation award winner, Cleora Hughes, also worked closely with Dick for two decades.

Dick was a loving father and husband, warm friend, and cherished his animal family. He was a scuba diver, treasure hunter and world-wide traveler.

Preceded in death by his wife, Charlotte, nee Schwoebel, Richmond; his parents, Arthur J. and Frances M., nee Visosky, Richmond; and a son, Paul Richmond.

He is survived by his two daughters, Kris Richmond-Shwetzer and Leigh (Wayne) Minix; a brother, Gary (James) Richmond; two sisters, Anita Johns and Cheryl (Paul) Gothier; and three grandchildren, Kathryn(Jimmy) Lawson, Alexander Richmond, and Andrea Richmond; as well as other relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois https://hospice.org/donate/ Condolences may be expressed online at www.lakeviewfuneralhm.com.

Services: Friends may call from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., service held at 12 p.m. Saturday, May 6, 2017 at Lake View Funeral Home, 5000 N. Illinois, Fairview Heights, Ill. The Rev. Charles West will officiate.

LAKE VIEW FUNERAL HOME, Fairview Heights, Ill.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Belleville News-Democrat from May 3 to May 4, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Richmond

Sponsored by Belleville News-Democrat.

28 Entries

Suzanne Sicher

May 10, 2017

When I speak to you in whisper's---
Please hear my voice.

Walking through the Gardens---
Please remain by my side.

Listening to Classical Music, Inspired by the Highest Source---
Please hold my hand.

Eating a finely prepared meal---
Please look in my eyes.

As I speak with you, and I frequently do---
Remember you are in my Heart.

Suzanne Sicher

May 10, 2017

Dick was one of the rare individuals who combined strength of character, with a
heart of gold. For those whom he loved, and considered his true friends, he always made himself available with his time and empathy.

His ability to truly listen, then use his analytic mind to decipher his response, to one's concerns or problems, was extraordinary. Dick was generous with his
time, but also always considered others, prior to himself. He loved being a
giver both on special occasions, but the unexpected times were just as
important. He loved to surprise others, and wanted those around him to be happy.

I have never met a man more positive and thoughtful than Dick. He repeated
many times how fortunate he was, and appreciated the life he lived. Each day
was a joy, which he lived to the fullest.

Those of us fortunate enough to be the recipient of such a role model, are most
blessed. Dick's large personality filled with grace, will be sorely missed.
Suzanne Sicher (St. Louis, Mo.)

Leigh and Jeff Bonifield

May 5, 2017

Our deepest sympathies to Leigh and Kris and family.

Leigh and Kris, your father was special and we were fortunate to have spent many holidays together year after year, and a Head East concert or two. He will be sorely missed!!!
We loved your dad and he was definitely one of the most interesting men we've ever known. I will also miss his fabulous emails filled with beautiful photography along with the history behind the photos. I felt special to be included. He was so kind to our family. We are thankful to have known him.

Kathy Bratkowski

May 5, 2017

I met Dick when I interviewed him for a documentary called "Something in the Water." He was such a smart, kind and gracious gentlemen. I am sorry for your loss; I know he will be missed.

May 4, 2017

We have been friends with Dick since the late 60's. He was one of the most interesting persons we have known. He was always ready with a good story. We were truly fortunate to have Dick. We will miss him.
Jim and Gerry Byrk. (Plattsmouth, NE. )

Ryannon Faries

May 3, 2017

Dick was an amazing individual. His daughter, Leigh, and I spent so much time together it was like we had two sets of parents and two houses... sometimes I think our parents had trouble remembering whose kid was theirs.

I saw many amazing concerts thanks to Dick and, even though he covered the concerts for work, I think he secretly enjoyed a lot of them. To name a few, we saw Bay City Rollers, Blood, Sweat and Tears and Seals and Croft. If we were lucky, he'd stop by work on the way home and we'd walk around in awe of the bustle and noise at the St. Louis Post - Dispatch.
He also had hundreds of vinyl albums... some long before they were released to the public and some with beautiful art work on the vinyl. He gave me a few of them from time to time that he knew I'd like because he listened to us, even when we didn't realize he was.

When I was 15 i moved to Iowa, but I spent a week with them over my 17th birthday and we went to Six Flags and he took us to a dinner show on the Golden Rod.

A lot of times Dick was quiet or lost in thought so one of my favorite memories was sheer silliness. Dick was driving Leigh, Paul and me home from Six Flags and we'd met some other teens there. Paul said "that one guy looked like Van, except in the face. " Dick started laughing and Paul kept trying to explain what he meant to say. Leigh and I started laughing, and Paul eventually laughed too. I miss those days when we couldn't wait to grow up and be adults... but adulthood is over rated because as we age, our parents age along with us and we lose them long before we're ready.
Rest well until we're all reunited. As a small comfort, it's nice to know you're reunited with Charlotte, Paul, Jappha and so many more loved ones.
I'm going to see an awesome concert Friday: Hairball. You would've loved them. Rock on!

Dick and Kris zip-lining in Jamaica

May 3, 2017

Leigh Minix

May 3, 2017

How can I sum up a lifetime of Love?
Others summarize his achievements and adventures. To me it is his love of his family and friends.
Travel was very important to him (and my mom), so they instilled that into all of us. Dad especially ensured some very special trips in the last 10 years for which I am so grateful.
Growing up he devoted time to swimming every night at the YMCA, going to driving range, playing tennis, watching movies or going to work with him. Going to work with Dad was especially different due to the fact that we went to concerts or performances and many times meeting famous performers. He would proudly introduce his children to those stars.
He told me once that when he read to me as a baby he read National Geographic not baby books. I can believe that that influenced my love of photography and reading. He was my biggest fan with my photography.
I will love and miss you until my breath. Thank you Dad, I am safe and protected because of you.

Kris Richmond-Shwetzer

May 3, 2017

My father was my mentor, my inspiration, and my hero. Even though he had a hard life, especially in his early teens, he never became bitter. He turned his difficulties into opportunities. Even with no background in photography or writing, he convinced UPI to hire him as a news photographer and the St. Louis Post Dispatch to hire him as a writer. Dad became successful at both.
He was kind to everyone, and always had an ear to listen, time to talk, or a few dollars to help out. He never wanted animals, however our house became the home to six dogs and a few cats over the years. Dad even agreed to a bunny my mother convinced him had followed her home.
Dad always saw the good in people and never let setbacks skew his optimistic view on life. Even after working 18 hour days, he had time to listen. Often, as children, he would take my siblings and I to work, as he covered concerts and plays.
Dad believed that everything was possible and was the essence of what could be accomplished with determination. He lived life to the fullest. Several days before he passed away, he let everyone know he was happy with the life he led, had done what he wanted to do, and was ready to go when the time came.
I can't express how much I loved him and will miss him.

Debra Metzgar

May 3, 2017

So sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you. God Bless You love Debra Metzgar

Elaine Viets

May 2, 2017

Dick was a first-rate editor who mentored me when I first started at the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, and taught me the fine points of editing my work. I learned that less is indeed more. He helped start my writing career and we remained friends until the end of his life. I will remember Dick's good conversation and his spirit of adventure. He traveled the world, hunted for treasure, and had the great gift of friendship. His book, "Treasure Under Your Feet," remains an industry standard. I'll miss you, Dicki. We all will.

May 2, 2017

My sincere sympathy to the Richmond family. Dick was a neighbor and also a member of the Douglas Hill Neighborhood Watch. He will be sorely missed in the neighborhood. Loved the stories he would tell.
Diane Denison

Kathy & Bob Zita

May 2, 2017

I may not have known him all that well, but I do remember that he had an unforgettable smile and was a kind soul. I know he is at peace with his wife and son; as they are watching over the rest of the family. May the family find peace and comfort knowing this. Sending hugs and prayers to Lei-Lei, Kris and family. xoxo

Ken

May 2, 2017

He was the best ex-Father-in-law I ever had; and a great individual. He will be truly missed from this earth. My condolences to the rest of the family. Love Always, Ken

Bruno Torres

May 1, 2017

Dick was the UPI Newspictures bureau manager in St. Louis when I transferred from Chicago to St. Louis in 1964. I took over when he joined the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. We have remained good friends ever since.
Bruno Torres, retired, UPI Newspictures, St. Louis, Chicago, Houston

In your hands, O Lord,
we humbly entrust our brothers and sisters.
In this life you embraced them with your tender love;
deliver them now from every evil
and bid them eternal rest.

Cleora Hughes

May 1, 2017

"Dick Richmond and I worked in the Post-Dispatch's entertainment section for more than two decades. If I know Dick, he is somewhere in the Blue comparing the performances of the Heavenly Host against those of the bands he loved so well. What I remember most is the patience and kindness he showed toward those of us who where just beginning our Journalism careers. He will be missed."
Cleora Robinson Hughes

John Schmee

May 1, 2017

Dick was a fixture backstage during the 70's and 80's. He was the poster boy for the pen is Mightier than the sword. The bands and management were always waiting to hold court with the man. He could make a band or break them in the Midwest with his reviews. Till the year he passed , some classic rock bands still sent a car for him so they could talk current affairs in the music biz as Dick had a keen eye for what was going on. Wether he was writing a review , book or hunting for treasure , Dick lived his life to the fullest. I am proud to call the man my friend. Fare thee well my friend. Fare thee well.

April 30, 2017

"I shared a number of adventures with Dick in South America. He used to say that there are two types of people...those who make the world go round and those who just breath air. Dick was part of the first group. Sure gonna miss ya! Saludos a Char and Paul"
John Brennan (Colombia, S.A.)

Paul Gothier

April 30, 2017

Dick was a good and loving Brother-in-law. We always enjoyed his visits to Florida, those with his son Paul. His humor and eloquent speak will be sorely missed! Love you Dick, paul gothier (Treasure Coast, Fl)

Jamie Klein

April 29, 2017

To our loving Friend and Neighbor and to a man that was like a grandfather to me.

Jamie Klein

April 29, 2017

Dick was a loving Neighbor and a good friend to my family and myself. I came to know him as like my Grandfather to my family and tried to help him any chance I could. He filled a void in my life when I lost my grandparents and took me under his wing he will dearly missed by my family and I and will never be forgotten.

Claire Martin

April 29, 2017

Dick and Charlotte were so kind to Tom and me. They took us to many of the places Belleville natives knew and loved, but which we hadn't heard about as "newbies" to the area. Dick and Tom traded emails for those several years that both their computers overheated; and even after Tom died, Dick kept them coming, much to my enjoyment.

What a loss to his friends and family. What a fine man!

Cherie Gothier

April 29, 2017

Dick was my "big" brother who I did not know until I was about 8 and became an Aunt to his first daughter Kris. But as I grew up I began to know him as an adult. He lived such an interesting life and had many adventures other people only dream of. Being the entertainment editor of the Saint Louis Post Dispatch he met many famous people. His periodic travel writing had him staying in castles and taking 5 star cruises.He wrote several books from his time as a treasure hunter to the story of a music group that started in Saint Louis. Because of his wide variety of experiences he could talk to anyone. Losing first his wife Charlotte and then his son Paul was very hard on him and the family but he kept going and kept his daughters,Kris and Leigh, close. I will miss you brother and I am so happy we had the time to get to know each other well.

Pamela Bayes

April 29, 2017

Thinking of you and praying for you in your loss and for Dick in his release.

Anita Johns

April 29, 2017

My dear brother, you leave a hole in my heart. I knew you when you wore a beanie cap with buttons on it. You were my big brother, my hero. I was very proud of you, and loved you deeply. Rest well my dear brother, I will miss you so much. Love, Anita

Gary Richmond

April 28, 2017

Dick was an extraordinary brother. Despite our consideral difference in age, when I was a boy in Cleveland, Ohio, on several occasions he took me to downtown to see not one, sometimes not just two, but even several movies--we'd go from theater to theater. He also taught me the value of education such that I learned to love Shakespeare and the Greek Classics because he encouraged me to read them. He also helped instill in me a sense that education involved more than 'book learning' and, most especially, travel and other such adventure! He married well, I always told him, and his wife, Charlotte, was a very good friend of mine. I still miss her and will always miss her. There can be no doubt that his children love him very much. I love them all, but became very close to his son, Paul, who tragically passed away several years ago. This loss was devastating to my brother. Fortunately he has two smart, strong, and altogether extraordinary daughters who were his support and comfort always and especially in these past months. My brother, very much the epitome of a "self made man," was a scholar, a soldier, photographer, journalist, author (fiction and non-fiction), adventurer, humorist, and so much more. To say that I'll miss him very much is a terrible understatement.

Lorraine Linder

April 28, 2017

Mr. Richmond was an intelligent conversationalist and made everyone feel welcome.

Louise King

April 28, 2017

Dick was my mentor when I worked at the Post-Dispatch. Everything I learned about writing was a product of his thoughtful instruction and guidance. We shared a love of pop music and an affinity for the musicians who created it. The world is a much less interesting place without him in it. Rock on, Dick. RIP.

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