Eugene Richards

1941 - 2017

EUGENE CLYDE RICHARDS Eugene "Gene" Clyde Richards was born October 6, 1941 in Crescent City, California. Gene passed away July 20, 2017 following a long illness. He was raised in Del Norte County and was a member of the Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation. Gene attended local schools, graduating from Del Norte High in the class of 1960. He attended meat cutting school in Ohio but due to a hand injury while working in the saw mill when he returned, Gene had to pursue another career. He then turned to auto mechanics, attending College of the Redwoods to receive a certificate in auto and diesel mechanics. Gene worked for Nolan Trucking in Fortuna for 19 years until his health forced an early retirement. He enjoyed hunting and watching drag racing at the Samoa drag strip. Gene's greatest joy in life was his family and he was famous for providing many of them special nicknames. Gene is survived by his daughters Dawn Richards of Crescent City, Jill Norwood of Smith River and Mardee (Bart) Balswick of Hilmar, CA and foster son John (Tera) Waelty of Eureka and their children Nick and Krista. He is also survived by his grandchildren Claire Norwood of Philadelphia, Allison Richards and her daughter Aleena of Eureka; Kiana and Mathew Richards of Salem, Oregon; Forest Carlson and Marcus Richards of Eureka; Beau, Benjamin Brittany and Brielle of Hilmar, CA; his sisters Elaine Allen of Crescent City and Meredith (Mark) Keeter of Smith River. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. Gene was proceeded in death by his wife, Lorraine "Tink" Richards, son Wayne Richards; his parents Clyde and Etta Richards, his brother DeWayne Richards and sister Myrtle Husberg. A viewing will be held on Saturday, July 29, 2017 from Noon to 5 pm at Wier's Mortuary Chapel. Graveside services will be held at the Howonquet Indian Cemetery, Sunday, August 13, 2017 at 1 PM with a fellowship potluck to follow at Howonquet Community Hall in Smith River. Arrangements are under the direction of Wier's Mortuary Chapel. Please sign the family's online guest book at wiersmortuary.com