Lynn Richardson

Lynn James Richardson, Sr.

May 12, 1942 - June 25, 2025

Lynn passed away peacefully on June 25th, 2025, at his Solvang home. He was a kind, gentle, and generous husband, father, and grandfather. He had a quiet strength and gentle nature along with a dry sense of humor! He was thoughtful and insightful; Lynn had a great love for his family.

Lynn was born in Santa Monica, CA to James Marion Richarson and Beverly Ann Powers Richarson. He grew up on the family ranch in the Santa Ynez Valley and attended Santa Ynez Elementary and graduated from Santa Ynez High School in the class of 1960. He went on to obtain a degree in Political Science from UCSB and was a lifetime UCSB Gaucho basketball supporter. He served in the U.S. Army. Lynn was blessed with two wonderful sons Lynn Richardson Jr. and Bryson Richardson. He had a special place in his heart for his two grandchildren River and Ila Richardson.

Lynn and Diana Steffensen Stewart met in 1990 through friends at Lynn's 30-year Santa Ynez High School class reunion. They married in 1995 and had recently celebrated their 30th anniversary.

He was a true enthusiast of fly-fishing beginning at an early age and had a sparkle in his eyes whenever he told a fishing story. He was always eager to share his knowledge and expertise and taught his sons the art of fly-fishing along with respect for the environment. Lynn found his happiest days while standing in a cold mountain stream, fly rod in hand.

Beyond his love for the river, he and Diana enjoyed traveling throughout South America, Europe and Australia.

One of Lynn's favorite pastimes was to be under the shade of the oak trees on their patio listening to country and Irish music while barbequing for family and friends.

He will be dearly missed by his beloved wife Diana Richardson, his son Lynn Richardson Jr., and wife Ceci of Boise, Idaho, his son Bryson Richardson and wife Robin and their children River and Ila of Sooke BC, Stepson Richard Stewart, his wife Donna Stewart of Buellton their children and a wide circle of friends.

Lynn's family will have a private family gathering in his memory at his Solvang home. His ashes will be spread at Henry's Fork / Fire Hole in Idaho.

Rest in Peace, Lynn. May your rivers run forever clear, and your fishing flies always find their mark.

Loper Funeral Chapel Directors