Clyde Nathan Richards

1938 - 2023

BORN

1938

DIED

2023

Clyde Richards Obituary

San Diego - Clyde Nathan Richards, 85, longtime resident of Valencia County, NM, died May 19, 2023, in San Diego, CA.
Clyde was born May 1, 1938, at the family farm in Dora NM, to Robert Lecil Richards and Bessie Avelyn (Bennett) Richards. He graduated from Dora High School in 1956, New Mexico Tech (NMIMT-Socorro) with a BS in Physics in 1960 and earned his PhD in Atmospheric Sciences from the University of Arizona- Tucson in 1971. His dissertation was titled "Distortion and Instability of Electrically Stressed Water Drops Falling at Terminal Velocity". He was employed by Bell Laboratories before creating Atmospheric Physics Inc., where he worked as a research scientist and consultant well past the age of 80. He kept his mind sharp, daily working the New York Times crossword and KenKen
puzzles. He and his wife of almost 35 years, Ruth, enjoyed traveling, sailing, grilling, and relaxing with friends.
Clyde's ingenious mind and creative spirit shone through as an accomplished inventor, bringing innovative technologies to life, and leaving a lasting impact. His artistic talents extended to metalworking, where he skillfully designed and welded beautiful creations, showcasing his imagination and craftsmanship. Additionally, Clyde had a green thumb and took great joy in gardening, while also possessing an exceptional knack for fixing and explaining things, earning him the reputation of a skilled problem-solver.
Clyde exuded a larger-than life personality. As soon as he stepped into a room, his vibrant presence enveloped the space, imprinting a lasting memory on his family and all who were fortunate to have crossed paths with him. His zest for life and infectious spirit continue to echo, leaving behind a legacy that embraces his remarkable achievements and profound ability to establish deep and meaningful connections with those in his orbit. Clyde's impact endures, a testament to a life fully lived and the indelible impression he left on the hearts of others.
Survivors include his wife Ruth Richards; two sons, KC Richards of Georgetown, TX, Nathan Richards of Honolulu, HI; three daughters, Melanie Oliver of Colorado Springs, CO, Leslie Starritt of Las Cruces, NM, Nina Starling of Salt Lake City, UT; six grandchildren, Angela Thomas of Ittigen, Switzerland, Bryan Richards of Albuquerque, NM, David Richards of Kansas City, KS, Trent Starritt of Las Cruces, NM, Keely Starritt of Las Cruces, NM, Lilou Starling of Salt Lake City, UT; three great-grandchildren; one brother, Max Richards of Carlsbad, NM; two sisters, Lynda Shults of Myrtle Beach, SC, Kay Gatewood of Emporia, KS; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father (1982), his mother (1984), his sister Wanda Robinson (1987), his brother Jimmie Richards (2017), and his brother Marion Richards (2017).

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Published by Eastern New Mexico News from Jun. 2 to Jun. 4, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Clyde Richards

5 Entries

Paula Bauch

July 16, 2023

Clyde, whom I was blessed to know in Los Lunas, NM over the years, will be remembered by me for his beautiful personality and wit, artistry, community giving and making the world a better place with his inventions. I treasure the time that I spent in social gatherings with Clyde and Ruth in their home here in Los Lunas. Clyde´s smiling face, as he rode his tricycle around the neighborhood, will remain etched in my mind.

I send my condolences to Ruth, and all the family members. I share their sadness. Beautiful memories of Clyde will live on with all of us whose lives he touched.

Mary Margaret Rowe

Planted Trees

Mary Margaret Rowe

June 22, 2023

Ruth,
Oh, how we will miss dear Clyde. He was our plus 1 for many wonderful dinners and dining out. We loved his interesting topics he would chose to share with us, and we would nod in understanding but not really grasp what this amazing intellectual friend was saying (usually after we had too much wine). We are here for you. We will continue our journey in our amazing beach community with many friends to sustain us!
Love you,
mmr

Joe Renowden

June 3, 2023

Dear Ruth, Kasey, and I know there is no comfort to be had, but we would like to give you a warm and comforting hug anyway. Condolences to the family, hoping the difficult days ahead will soon be replaced with fond memories.
Knowing and working with Clyde was an honor and the privilege of a lifetime. No doubt many will say the same. To have journeyed with him, for too a short time, on his path through this very abstract and mysterious world of electricity and physics was a most exciting and rewarding personal and professional experience.
His accomplishments for humanity, particularly with the discoveries and inventions of the Cloud Chamber Scrubber, will stand forever as a great achievement in cleaning the earth´s atmosphere. Once again, Clyde had solved one of nature´s most intractable problems and made life healthier for millions.
I shall most reluctantly say goodbye from one old sailor to another and wish him fair winds and following seas for the journey ahead.

Terri and Steve Richards

June 2, 2023

Our prayers and love are with the family at this difficult time. Clyde will be greatly missed.

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