Paul Alan Richards

1954 - 2024

Paul Alan Richards

September 17, 1954 - February 21, 2024

Leawood, Kansas - Several years ago, Paul drafted his own obituary:

Paul Alan Richards, 69, Leawood, Kansas, will no longer be available for social or sporting events. His unexpected and untimely demise occurred on February 21 in London.

The second son of Frank and Virginia Richards, Paul inherited his father's methodical and quiet approach, with his mother's zest for adventure. The fact that Paul became a success in his chosen career was no doubt a pleasant surprise to both of his parents.

Paul's older sibling, Don Richards, was always the best brother, with fond memories of playing on the grandparent's farm in Wichita. His younger sister, Linda Wolford, was the perfect foil for sibling rivalry.

Two lifelong friends, Jay Raccuglia and Robert Edwards, would be trusted comrades-in-arms as they marched through the highs and lows of childhood, adolescence and adulthood. Paul's favorite hangout growing up was the kitchen table of Mary and Bruce Terril - playing cards, drinking beer and discussing life. Every kid should have such a getaway.

Paul grew up in Prairie Village, Kansas, and like so many liberal Kansans, spent his life trying to escape his native state's Neanderthal conservatism. Education proved to be the key. Thanks to his parent's expectations and the preparation of a wonderful public education, Paul graduated from the University of Kansas with a degree in Education and later a Masters Degree in American History.

A special thanks to the University of Kansas where professors showed a parochial Johnson County youth the vast complex world outside of the insulated conservatism of Kansas. The intellectual liberation provided by KU was the most fundamental element in Paul's development.

From there, Paul spent 34 years as a teacher in the Olathe School District, first dealing with the hormonal explosions of seventh graders to teaching AP American History to high school juniors.

Nothing was more satisfying professionally to Paul than to see his students succeed in the classroom. Paul sought to instill in his students a love of history and its importance in examining current events. At this time Paul found his last lifelong friend, Richard Luckert. Richard was an incomparable friend throughout this time period, a steadfast ally in surviving the daily battles of public education and the travails of adult life.

Paul had many hobbies. He was an avid reader-mostly history. However, he would mention the influence of P.G. Wodehouse for highlighting the frivolity of social interactions and Joseph Heller for preparing him for the absurdity of life. He was an active sports enthusiast. Biking was also a passion with two trips across Wyoming with Richard Luckert (those trips became more legendary as they grew older). Not a gifted athlete, Paul was a firm believer in the power of practice and persistence.

Aside from sports and reading, Paul had wonderfully eclectic taste in music - from Mongolian throat singing to The Beatles to Sinatra to Brahms to Miles Davis - you never knew what Paul would play for you. A lover of film, Paul was an avid movie and tv enthusiast. His knowledge of both was always an amazement to his wife. His acquaintance with John Steed of the British tv show The Avengers at an early age set a model of decorum that followed him throughout life (a gentleman is never without his bowler hat and umbrella).

Finally, and most significantly, Paul leaves behind his beautiful wife, Joyce. His heart was taken by her at first glance ("ring-a-ding-ding"). For 38 years he was forever lucky that she walked into his life. He never grew tired of making her laugh and was despondent when he made her sad. Her wit, sense of style, and wisdom were always an inspiration to do what was needed-what was right. The love of his life. That she put up with him is still a mystery. Over their marriage Paul and Joyce were the proud parents to four collies, Clio, Benny, Noah and Gracie. Nothing can compare to the unconditional love these dogs gave every day. No parent could have loved or been more proud of their kids.

The happy end of Paul's story was going to be permanently escaping the conservative confines of Kansas for the Blue state of Hawaii. In Hilo, Maui and Oahu, Paul loved to spend endless days walking on the beach, watching the palm trees sway and staring out into the blue Pacific. Layers of clothing and boots would give way to Hawaiian shirts and shorts.

Paul will be forever grateful- he had a wonderful life filled with great experiences, fast friends and a loving family. Who could ask for more?

Paul's ashes will be released into the Pacific Ocean, Hawaii. If you feel compelled to remember Paul's life, please make a donation to collie rescue, your local dog shelter, the ASPCA, or the Democratic Party.