Richard P. Zoodsma

Mr. Zoodsma was my favorite principal. I have fond memories as a kindergartner at Greendridge Elementary. He used to go sledding with us and give us underdogs on the swings. I remember the school logging so many reading hours that he died his hair green, shaved it into a mohawk and kissed a pig. His love for children was so apparent by the way he played and showed up. He was right there with us, from every loose tooth to every 100th day as Zero the Hero. He will always hold a special place in...

I had Mr. Z as a principal in elementry school. I LOVED Zero the Hero day! And after he retired he came back and showed us pictures of blue-footed boobies from his travels. I remember him pushing us all on the swingset, which was always fun because he was really tall and would do underdog pushes. I'm 32 now so it's safe to say he made a lasting impression on his students. I'm happy he was able to live such a long fulfilling life.

Dear Randy and family,
I am so sorry to learn of your Dad's passing.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I wish you peace and strength at this difficult time. May you find comfort in all the cherished memories you hold close to your hearts.
Fondly, Cathy Ahmed

My elementary principal...omgosh, I'm so sad about this. I remember looking him up after I had graduated I got his address from the elementary school and I wrote him a letter, he still remembered me and mailed me a letter and a couple pictures from his worldly travels. I'll never forget him riding around on his unicycle as zero the hero, or him pushing us underdog on the swings, or the time he pulled one of my loose teeth out....or how he would remember me as Mike Zeigler's little sister, he...

Mr. Z was about the craziest, most lovable person I ever knew. He loved his job, he loved all the kids and they loved him. So sorry for your loss my prayers for family and friends

I did not know Richard well but he was always at the chapel service when I Preached at Samaritas. Nice guy always was so gracious. Sorry from you loss. Pastor Tim Medendorp.

Whenever I was having a bad day Mr Zoodsma would always be there with a friendly smile, hug and words of encouragement! Will always have many wonderful memories of him. RIP Mr Zoodsma!