Ronald Lee Richards

Monday February 9, 2026, Ronald Lee Richards died in Fairbanks Alaska. He passed in the morning with his beloved wife Sharon by his side.

Ron was born January 19th, 1950, in Lyons, NY to Harold and Jean (Wright) Richards. He grew up in Newark, NY. 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 UAF.

Ron had a strong sense of justice. This led him to pursue a twenty-five-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, Sisters Jan Rising, Linda Hayes, and Pat Phillips. Ron is preceded in death by parents, son Derek and brother Marshall.

A memorial service will be held at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church 395 Sockeye Street, Pleasant Valley, AK on March 28th at 10am. A memorial will be held in New York at a later date.