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BRUCE RICHARDS Obituary
Bruce A. Richards MD, 59, of Gainesville died unexpectedly April 23rd at Shands UF with "His Special Lady," Pauline Gregory, by his side.
He is survived by his beloved daughter Rachel Williams of New York, New York, parents Frances and Benjamin Morey of Gainesville, biological father Al Richards of Archer, wife Wendy J. Richards of Ellijay, Georgia, with whom he shared a lasting bond and very close friendship, sisters Ruth Richards of Gainesville and Christine Clifton of South Glens Falls New York; brothers Gene Richards of Amsterdam, New York, Jeff Morey of Tampa, Florida, Brian Richards of Middletown, PA, Anthony Richards of Mattydale, NY, Roger Morey of Santa Rosa, CA, Thomas Morey of Garner, NC and Jay Morey of St. Petersburg Florida and Many nieces and nephews.
Dr. Richards practiced in Gainesville for over 20 years with the support of office manager Cathy A. Hart, a long time friend and loyal employee.
Bruce was born December 12, 1951, in North Creek, New York. He served in the United States Army as a psychiatric medic from 1972 to 1975, and received numerous awards for his service.
Dr. Richards received his medical degree in 1982 from the University of Mississippi School of Medicine, and completed his residency at the University of Florida College of Medicine Department of Neurology in 1986, after which he opened his Neurology practice in Gainesville.
In addition to his private practice, Dr. Richards leaves vacant his post as Medical Director at the Tacachale Center for Movement Disorders Clinic.
During his long career, Dr. Richards served as Alachua General Hospital's Chairman for the Department of Medicine, Chief of Neurology, and Medical Director for Quality Resource Management. He also served on Alachua General's Ethics Committee, Quality Assessment Committee, and the Department of Medicine's Credentialing Committee.
Bruce took great pride in his collection of Native American artifacts.
He was an expert fisherman, and an accomplished guitarist.
Dr. Richards was an old-fashioned physician who cared for his patients with compassion and concern. Richards' patients were more often considered friends and family. "He could and did listen, he conversed, he advised, and he healed", a long time patient and friend said recently regarding Dr. Richards. "He touched many lives with his generosity and dedication to the medical profession."
A Memorial Service will be held Thursday, April 28, 2011 at 2:00PM at WILLIAMS-THOMAS FUNERAL HOME WESTAREA 823 NW 143rd St. with The Rev. Dr. Robert Shettler officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to PACE Center for Girls Alachua, 1010 SE 4th Avenue Gainesville, FL 32601.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
WILLIAMS-THOMAS WESTAREA
376-7556
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Memories and Condolences
for BRUCE RICHARDS
Miriam Sikes
April 21, 2024
I still think about Dr Richard often.
Wendy Richards
April 23, 2013
With loving thoughts and prayers for you and all your family, friends and patients you left behind. It's been two years this morning and this sunny day holds darkness for all of us that love you so very much. I am comforted knowing you are home and at peace, and the sun shines brightly for you!
With love,
Wendy
Debe Stephenson
April 23, 2013
Bruce, You may be gone, but you will never be forgotten. Thanks for the wonderful friendship. You were an amazing doctor and friend.
Wendy
April 21, 2013
My love for you still runs deep and I honor our 13th Wedding Anniversary today with a special prayer of gratitude for having you in my life and for the deep love we once shared.
Thank you! Bless you!
Debe Stephenson
June 30, 2012
Dr. Richards(Bruce), You will never know how much you are missed. I think of you every day. I have not found another Dr.of course I haven't looked very hard. I don't think anyone could ever take your place. When God took you home, I don't think he knew how it would affect us, your patients. I need you to talk to. You are missed so much. There is not a day that goes by that your name doesn't come out of my mouth. What an amazing man we lost. Love ya Dr. Richards and miss you so much. Rest In Peace, What a Legacy You Left....... God Bless Your Soul...
Barbara W.
June 28, 2012
I really miss you.
Pauline Gregory
April 19, 2012
As your anniversary approaches dear Bruce, I find it difficult to believe a year has passed. At times it seems likes yesterday that we spent our last few moments together, moments that can never be taken away from us, and moments I will cherish.
Thank you for the gift of your friendship, support, laughter and love. We were fortunate to share a unique and rare connection,you were indeed a blessing in my life.
This beautiful memory book is a tribute to your kindness and compassion toward others throughout your life. You touched the lives of many and are missed each and every day.
You remain in my thoughts and in my heart, always.
Your "special lady" Pauline.....
Cathy Hart
March 15, 2012
Today when I woke up, had such a void and emptiness. You have been here to celebrate 22 birthdays with me. Dinners, office parties, or just in your office talking and drinking a beer. I miss you beyond words. You are in my thoughts daily. Its been almost a year, and I still cant belive I cant see you or talk to you. So much is happening in my life that I want to share, or have just listen, or most of all give me the best advise... I love you and miss you so much. Cathy
kathie boswell
January 13, 2012
I knew Bruce from when he first started as a physician. I suffered with severe migraines..He truly took wonderful care of me. He was always there for me and its such a loss for our community of his loss. He truly will be missed....My love and prayers to all his family and friends
kathie Boswell
January 5, 2012
12/12/2011 Today would have been your 60th birthday and you were gone without any warning. I want you to know how much you are missed by me and your brother and sisters. You will never know what your leaving has ment to so many patient as well as your family.
There will always be a large hole in my heart as i miss you so much.
Love Your Mom
Cindy Seeds
September 28, 2011
I knew Bruce when he was a resident and when he first opened his practice. I was his first office manager and thoroughly enjoyed working with him and serving his satisfied patients. Hard to believe he is not here.
Frances Morey
August 29, 2011
It has taken me this long to be able to write this. I miss you more than anyone can imagine. When you left so suddenly my heart and soul went with you. I know you are at peace without pain or worry. This is my only solice my beautiful son. Love mom
Bruce and Pauline at the office, December 2010
Pauline Gregory
July 1, 2011
As June comes to an end and Bruce's office doors are sadly locked for the last time, I reflect upon the first time I met him 23 years ago. Instantly I recognized that not only was he an excellent neurologist, but a brilliant diagnostician, and a genuinely kind man.
Bruce was the "complete physician." He was one of a kind in his approach to his patients - knowledgeable, compassionate, and always available. It was a rare relationship in that his patients were as devoted to him as he was to them.
It was pleasure and privilege to help out at the office alongside Bruce and Cathy. We really became a close family, and I enjoyed decorating the waiting room for different holidays, and with Cathy's encouragement, the displays became a scene often leaving little room for the patients to sit.
Cathy was the heart of the office, loved by the patients for her caring manner, and her loyalty and devotion to Bruce were unwavering. Her warmth made the office a home, and her friendship to me has been, and continues to be, rewarding in so many ways.
I was also grateful to Bruce for the opportunity he gave me to be a part of his family. His mother is truly a blessing to me, and I will continue to be grateful for our close relationship. My own family grew very attached to him as well, and my three children are grateful for the time they got to spend with Bruce in both of our homes.
Finally, I would like to express my thanks and love to Bruce for choosing me to share his life as his "special lady" over the past three years. Alas, our plans for the future were taken from us too soon, but we had in those years what some never have in a lifetime, and I will always cherish the memories we made together.
And so my dearest Bruce, the void is vast that you have left in my life and my heart - but my life and the lives of many are far richer for having known and loved you. We both trusted each other unconditionally, and as we used to say to each other every day, "I love you with all of my heart...always."
Pauline
Anna Bodine
June 25, 2011
Cathy ~ Thank you for copying Dr. Richards's medical records for me. As I glanced through them, I thought,"Oh, yes, that was the time we talked about my searching for seashells on the beach, and his searching for pottery shards!" Or, "Oh, yes, that was the time after my trip to Germany, when he relieved my back pain!" And he told me it was time to stop traveling about, packing and unpacking, and simply stay in one place, taking day trips from a central location. He was a kind realist.
And you were always there, too. I send you again my heartfelt condolences.
Ruth Day
June 24, 2011
I had the privilege to have Dr. Richards as a physician, a confidant and friend for over 11 years. He helped me so much with my conditions, he listened to me.....I mean really listened with compassion and empathy, as well as with sympathy. He has been gone for 2 months as of today and I still weep. God broke the mould after he made Dr. Richards, we will not be able to find another doctor like him. I read the other entries and they describe Dr. Richards to a T, so there is not much more that I can add, so I will say "ditto" and where else can you find a doctor who cared so much? He even checked the weather to make sure I would not be driving into any storms!
I know he is with God. My thoughts and prayers go out to all who loved him.
June 23, 2011
Two months ago today I lost the most amazing friend and boss in the world. There are so many things I want to say to you. Your patient's miss you terribly. You were truly a wonderful doctor who showed them care and compassion that they can not replace. Today we close your office and its probably the hardest thing I have ever done in my life. I miss you so much. Love Cathy
Pat Sullivan
June 22, 2011
I never knew what a "jewel" I had as a neurologist, until I tried to find one to take his place. There aren't any! I took him for granted. I assumed he was the norm... Well, he wasn't! He was always available to take a call from me at any hour. He knew the workings of the brain, intimately. Cathy was always there to smooth the way. Bruce, you are irreplaceable! My sincere condolences to Pauline, Cathy and his family. He was one in a trillion!
May 23, 2011
I have just learned of Dr. Richards passing. He has allowed me to be a patient of his since 2001. Over the years he has become more than a Dr. to help me treat my back injury, he also listened very well to my everyday problems in life and helped me thru the most difficult emotional problems of my life - he was a friend of mine and I will truely and deeply miss him as part of my walk in life. "Joel E. Tompkins" (Trenton, Florida)
Kimberly Pogue
May 12, 2011
I had the honor of being treated by Dr. Bruce Richards over the past 3-4 years since I have been living in Gainesville. Has taken excellent care of me over the years. He understood how much I was suffering b/c of my migraines and did whatever he could to help me. He will be truly missed!!! i was in shock when i leared of his passing. I will keep his family and friends in my prayers!!
Ed Williams
May 8, 2011
Doc Richards has been my doctor, my friend and my encourager for the two and a half years that he has treated my dystonia. He was always willing to discuss the science behind my treatments and to straightforwardly answer any questions that I had. Never in a hurry, we talked about family and the thing we liked to do. Doc was proud of his daughter and talked about her work in NY after cullinary school. Doc always responded to my between visit emails and was interested in how the treatment was working out. I drove 100 miles each way to Doc's office. Doc's parents can be proud of the man that he was and the many, many peiople that he helped.
I will forever miss Doc and consider myself blessed to have known him and to have been under his care.
Doug & Vicki Mitchell
May 6, 2011
My husband Doug was a patient forever & considered him a friend also.He was a very compassionate man who always had time to hear whatever you needed to say. We were both floored to hear of his passing in the kind letter Cathy sent out to us all. Love & comfort go out to all whose lives he touched.He will be missed.
Ann Lasher
May 5, 2011
I just spoke to Cathy and learned of Dr. Richards' passing. I was calling to let him and Cathy know how well I was doing after my recent surgery. Needless to say, I was totally shocked and saddened to learn of his passing. I was fortunate enough to be referred to Dr. Richards over two years ago. He was a God send. He helped me with the pain I was experiencing and referred me to any excellent neurosurgeon. I can honestly say that he is the most caring and compassionate doctor I have ever known. Thank you Dr. Richards, you are the best. Cathy, my prayers are with you and his family.
Donnie
May 3, 2011
I was so sad to hear of Dr. Richard's passing. I am a pharmaceutical rep who called on him for just over a year and in that short time I learned he was one of those rare individuals who truly cared about people and treated everyone with respect and compassion -- a very unique and special person. My prayers to all who are grieving.
Judy and Lois
May 3, 2011
Dr. Richards was the best. He helped me and my mother more than simple words can express. He was a god-send. We are so sorry to hear of his passing. We will miss him.
Terry Parenteau
May 3, 2011
I was shocked today to hear of Dr Richards death. I've been a patient about twenty yrs for migraines. Kathy called of course to cancel my May 5th appt. He will be so greatly missed. There isn't much more to say, as everyone said it all. He was especially kind, you never felt rushed, he truly cared about you. I'm so sorry for his family & friends. I'd like to consider myself a friend after all our yrs as patient & Dr. He always made me feel special.
Violet
May 3, 2011
Will miss Dr. Richards. He always listened and treated my Dystonia as if he was my family member. I know Dr. Richards is in Heaven. Prayers to his family.
Carol Marden
May 2, 2011
Was loved by many, will be missed professionally and personally by all who were blessed to know him.
April 29, 2011
As so many have said, Dr. Richards (Bruce) was the kind of doctor we all look for, and seldom find. I will miss him, both for his humanity and for his outstanding abilities as a physician. Jim Archer
Janet Richards
April 29, 2011
Bruce was a kind & caring brother-in-law. I enjoyed our conversations very much. He will be missed.
debe stephenson
April 28, 2011
bruce you may be gone in body, but your spirit will always be with the people whose lives you have touched over the years.
debe stephenson
April 28, 2011
dr. richards or (as he would always make me call him)Bruce was the most intelligent, compassionate, amazing man I had ever met. How many of your doctors give you their cell phone number and tell you not to hesitate to call if you need him. he said no one should have to endure pain when it isn't necessary. he said that's what he was there for. he was my neurologist for 14 years. he was the best. i felt like he gave me my life back when he started my treatment for migraine headaches. he wasn't just my doctor, he became a dear friend. he would sit and listen to me, as if i were his only patient. he had incredible beside manner. he loved his family. we even shared stories about our children. the biggest love of his life after family was fishing. that man knew everything anyone could possibly know about fishing. dr. richards will truly be missed. i am sure he will be fishing in heaven. he was such a wonderful person. i guess that's why he was taken so young. love and prayers to rachael and the rest of the family.
Ken Grauer, MD
April 28, 2011
As a primary care attending for the family medicine service at AGH for many years - Dr. Bruce Richards was always one of my "favorites" to refer to. He was not only an exceedingly bright and clinical neurologist - but a joy to interact with, and one who truly cared. He will be missed.
Miriam Sikes
April 28, 2011
Dr. Richards was our favorite doctor. He took care of me and my brother. We loved him, he was the the best. Our thoughts and prayers for his family and friends.
Miriam Sikes, Rockledge, Florida
Donald Stewart, Gainesville, Florida
April 28, 2011
Doctor Richards--------I was SOOO fortunate to get a referral to you by my primary care doctor----you helped me SOOOO much with my sciatica-------you'll always be in my heart, -------Annette Feaster, Micanopy
Heather Ramsey
April 28, 2011
Dr. Richards was a fine doctor and really cared about his patients. He will be truly missed.
Tony Richards
April 28, 2011
I'll miss our long talks and lots of laughs. Thanks for always finding the time, Brother. Rest easy now and I'll see you on the water!
Ginger Harbin
April 28, 2011
There are no words to express how Bruce Richards will be missed by his family, friends and patients. Bruce was a gift from God to all he touched. I am blessed to have had him as my doctor and friend. Rest in Peace, Bruce.
Mary, Bruce, Al
Mary Hatcher-Richards
April 28, 2011
Brian Richards
April 27, 2011
Good-bye, my brother. I will miss you deeply.
The Olexas
April 27, 2011
God Bless Dr. Richards. We are so fortunate to have known such a caring and compassionate Doctor. He took time to listen to our concerns and stayed positive in the face of difficulties. And always a man of principle. We will miss him. Condolences to family, friends, and Cathy. Prayers for all left behind. Colleen, Mike, and Hopie Olexa
j m
April 27, 2011
Some are born with a gift,not for themselves but to share with others.
They don't seek the spotlight,
but stay in the shadows.
They don't seek richs or acalades
they take solice in the differance
they've made.
They are the ones we miss most
when the're gone
rest easy doc
Mary Hatcher-Richards
April 27, 2011
Bruce was a true healer. He'll be sorely missed by all his family and friends. May he rest peacefully...
Pat Sullivan
April 27, 2011
I miss Bruce terribly. We have spent 25 years having conversations about fishing, about reading materials, about politics, nearly always agreeing. We have shared books and discussed them afterward. He helped me with difficult case treatments. He has kept me going... He was my friend.
Steven Reid
April 27, 2011
I knew Bruce since our years in residency training. We spent 3 months together on a Neurology rotation at the VA hospital where he shared his experience and knowledge with me as a younger neurosurgery resident. Later, he made history at Alachua General Hospital when he read the intraoperative electrocorticography for the first seizure surgery operations performed there. His patients and the staff loved him, and he loved them back. His death diminishes our community. We miss you Bruce.
April 27, 2011
Dr. Richards competency and compassion, was a rare gift for us-his patients. He was truly a "one-of-a-kind" doctor.I will miss his skills, helpful knowledge, and treatments and I extend condolences to his loved ones. Maia Stirling
Maia Stirling
April 27, 2011
Dr. Richards competency, patience, and compassion, made him truly a "one-of-a-kind" doctor. I will miss his expertise, and helpful treatments. I extend my condolences to his loved ones. Maia Stirling
Andy Dukes
April 27, 2011
I was Dr. Richards' patient for eighteen years. He was a good man who showed genuine care and concern for me both as a patient and individual. I traveled approximately 50 miles to Gainesville for office visits and recall how he always took the time, upon my departure, to wish me a safe trip home. He will be greatly missed by many people.
Richard & Vivian James
April 27, 2011
We only knew Dr. Richards professionally, but he always treated my husband with care and compassion. Great sense of humor. We will miss him.
Richard & Vivian James
Joanne Clarke
April 27, 2011
I have been Dr. Richard's patient for about twenty years. He was a good, kind man. He had the patience and compassion to treat patients with chronic conditions where no cure was possible but the quality of life could be improved. He was seldom in a hurry, he always listened, and he always began a visit with a hand shake, because he insisted there be actual physical contact between the doctor and patient. I don't know what I will do without him.
Anna Bodine
April 27, 2011
Dr. Bruce Richards has been my kind and compassionate neurologist for a number of years. I'll always remember our conversations about picking up pottery shards (he)and seashells(I) on beaches, and the feelings engendered in us by those activities. Heartfelt condolences to all his friends, family, and staff.
April 27, 2011
Bruce was a great man and son. A good friend over the years. No more can we say "What would Bruce think?"
Al Richards, father.
Ricky Willis
April 27, 2011
We only met Dr. Richards once but the impression he made on us will last a lifetime. He showed so much compassion and caring to my husband, we will always be grateful. We are honored to have met him.
Ricky and Dinah Willis
Jackie Wells
April 27, 2011
I worked with Dr. Richards at AGH and he was a great Physician. Very friendly, and soft spoken. He will be missed in the Community.
Mimi Herring
April 27, 2011
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Claire James
April 27, 2011
I appreciated my son-in-law for his deep love and concern for me, and his fellow man. He was one of the most caring individuals I have had the pleasure and privilege to know.
Anne Rottmann
April 27, 2011
I have known Bruce for many years and encouraged him to come into neurology private practice in Gainesville. He was a fine person and good neurologist and will be missed by his patients. Condolences to his family and all close to him.
Anne Rottmann
April 27, 2011
We will all miss him terribly, he was a kind friend and confidante for me for most of my career. We last exchanged notes at Christmas promising to get together for dinner soon.................I am so sad now we never did.
NT
Bruce and Wendy, Blueridge Mountains.
Wendy Richards
April 27, 2011
I remain forever grateful for the deep bond, love, lasting friendship, caring and concern we shared for each other all these years. He was the love of my life.
Susie Smith
April 27, 2011
We are so sorry to hear about Dr. Richards passing. He treated my mother Betty Woodard and she so trusted him. He can now see her again. May God bless his family and friends.
Sarah Stevens
April 27, 2011
So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
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