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Ronald Lee Richards
1950 - 2026
UPCOMING SERVICE
Ronald Richards Obituary
Ron was born Jan. 19, 1950, in Lyons, New York, to Harold and Jean (Wright) Richards. He grew up in Newark, New York. As a kid, Ron had a love of the outdoors and would often take his beagles and his rifle into the woods after school to hunt. Ron attended SUNY Morrisville, but his love of the outdoors eventually drew him to Alaska, where he continued to explore and attended the University of Alaska Fairbanks.
Ron had a strong sense of justice. This led him to pursue a 25-year career with the Alaska State Troopers. He was dedicated to his community and worked to create the community sports area in Two Rivers.
Ron loved animals and he shared that whenever he could. He started Pleasant Valley Animal Park to give people an up-close view of Alaskan wildlife, including his two bears, Samson and Delilah. Ron also loved to give hayrides on his horse-drawn sleigh.
Ron is survived by his wife, Sharon; son, Clayton; grandchildren, Eleanor and Leo; son, Jerod, and daughter-in-law, Courtney; grandchildren, Kaien and Luke; brother, Fred; and sisters, Jan Rising, Linda Hayes and Pat Phillips. Ron is preceded in death by his parents; son, Derek; and brother, Marshall.
A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. March 28, at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church, 395 Sockeye St., Pleasant Valley, AK. A memorial will be held in New York at a later date.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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Memories and Condolences
for Ronald Richards
9 Entries
Carissa
Yesterday
Sharon-I am sorry I am not in Alaska to be at Ron's service but am wishing you and the boys comfort during this time. So many fond memories of Ron. His hearty laugh and smile for one. The first time he met me he reached out his hand and said, "nice to meet you son." A chubby, red-head with freckles and very short hair I responded "I am a GIRL" and he laughed so hard. I am still not sure if he thought I was a male or if he was getting a rise out of me! He surely was an integral part of the Two Rivers Community and certainly a dear friend to the Shoen clan. And what a STRONG and generous guy too! May his memory live on!-Carissa
Bev and Greg Higdon
Yesterday
I met Ron when he was a JS Officer and later as a member of Fairbanks Lutheran Church. He was a man with a gentle demeanor and a bright smile. His love for people and animals were shown by his actions - how he treated everyone w/ respect and bringing his horses w/ sleigh and flatbed to church to give rides and hayrides as well as welcoming us out to his home to meet and greet his bears.
Sharon - Your families will be in our prayers for comfort, strength and patience during this difficult time and in the days to come.
Flora Roddy
Yesterday
So sorry to hear of Ron's passing. I lived and worked in Two Rivers for about 10 years. Ron was always a nice, helpful guy, I always had a feeling of safety when he was around. ~ Flora (Coffey) Roddy
Sally Kitchens FItzGerald
Yesterday
My sincere condolences Sharon. I'll never forget when Ron showed up on badger road to "question" Bruce in full state trooper uniform. I smile at the memory still.
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Adam Beaudreault
March 17, 2026
Ron was always a pleasant person to interact with. He was a great man and professionally served our great state well. Rest in heavenly peace Ron.
GA
March 17, 2026
Thank you for taking care of Thunder the Buffalo for me. You really loved your animals.
Joni scharfenberg
March 17, 2026
Oh Sharon, my heart goes out to you- I am not in Alaska or I would be there for you - just as you and Ron helped me- such a loss-
Cris Sims
March 17, 2026
Ron had SUCH an impact on the Two Rivers community.. it cannot be understated how he will be missed. From working with my own father in multiple ventures to better the Two Rivers community. To the impact he had on myself he was a man to be respected, appreciated and loved. thank you Ron for all your lessons over the years
judy coleman
March 17, 2026
Ron was a work friend that shared many stories of UAF and dead end alley days. he had a great and giving heart and always open to adventure.
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