Eugene Michael Richards

Eugene (Gene) Michael Richards

Eugene (Gene) Michael Richards,

91, passed away in Auburn, WA on Jan. 24th, 2013. Gene was born in Cle Elum, WA to Henry and Lily Richards on 11/9/1921. He grew up on his parents' farm at the foot of the Cascade Mountains, later working as a teen clearing and building trails for the U.S. Forest Service. He graduated from Cle Elum High School and attended 2 years at Central Washington State College. Gene transferred to the University of Washington but left to pursue a career as an electrician. He joined the Navy CB's in Sept. 1943, serving in the Pacific as a navy electrician until the end of WWII. Gene returned to Seattle following the war, to co-found Holmes Electric Company with Jay Holmes. In 1948 Gene married Catherine (Kay) Corvi of Seattle. Always together, Gene and Kay raised two sons and celebrated their 64th anniversary last year.

He cherished his family with whom he shared his passion for boating and flying. Gene flew his family up the Alaska Highway to Anchorage in 1958 in a small twin engine plane, to visit Kay's family. Gene always loved a challenge. He worked on his boats with the energy he devoted to all work. He bought, fixed, traded and sold boats, eventually pursuing his dream of cruising with his family and friends to Alaska.

Gene loved spending time with his family and many friends. (He always made time to help friends and neighbors with their construction projects and repairs.) Gene especially loved spending time with his grandchildren.

Gene is survived by his wife Kay; sons Michael and Robert (Ellen); grandsons Michael (Euneka) and Adri; brother and sister-in-laws Joe and Kathleen Corvi and Art Corvi; and four nieces.

Gene and his never ending smile were loved and will be missed by all.

A Celebration of Life will be held on April 13, at 1:00 p.m. at Rio Verde Clubhouse, 1402 22nd NE, Auburn, WA. Please send donations, in lieu of flowers, to the Franciscan Hospice at 2901 Bridgeport Way W., University Place, WA 98466;

Phone (253) 534-7000.