Ronald Owen Bryden Richardson
April 24, 2021
January 1, 1918 – April 24, 2021
Ron was the ultimate optimist, always looking on the bright side of life and seeing the best in others. Friends and business associates described him as kind, honest and generous – a true gentleman.
Ronald Owen Bryden Richardson was born January 1, 1918, in London, Ontario and he lived a very happy and fulfilling life into his 104th year. Ron was the second son to Thomas Bryden and Ethel (née Cambridge) Richardson; and loving husband of Gladys (née Humphrys), for 58 years. Beloved father of Robert (Susan) Richardson, Rosalyn (Harry) Hatch, Mark (Cynthia) Richardson, Maureen (Craig) Wood; and daughter-in-law, Kimberly (Neil) Richardson Wainwright.
Loving grandfather of Danielle Richardson (Christine Elias); Robyne Richardson (Allan Mestel); Brooke Richardson (Steve Lamb); Douglas Hatch (Karen); Mark Hatch (Emily Park); Craig Hatch (Lindsay); Patricia (Nick Tomiczek); Kristen (Dave Scheele); Jordan Richardson; Shannon Wood; Melanie (Andrew Smith); and Gwyneth Richardson. Great-grandfather of Luke and Isla Mestel; Ava, Holly, Kai and Arlie Richardson-Lamb; Anna and Harry Hatch III; Reggie and Cameron Hatch; Wesley and Craig Tomiczek; Sierra and Kyla Scheele; and Bryden Smith.
Ron had many nieces and nephews who were loved. Survived by dear friend Jean Kipp, who was a wonderful companion in his later years; and loving in-laws of the Humphrys family: Verda (Humphrys) Gregory, and Dr. James Fleck. Predeceased by his youngest son, Ross (2011); daughter-in-law, Lori Richardson (2012); brother, Leverne Richardson and his wife, Jean; in-laws: Martin Humphrys, Pat and Jeannette Humphrys, and Dr. Margaret Fleck.
Ron trained in the Canadian Officers Training Corps (1939-1941) for service in WWII, but due to a heart condition he was not sent overseas. He remained at home and attended the University of Western Ontario. There, he met a strong, bright and determined gal named Gladys Humphrys, who became his wife. She was supportive and loving while they raised five active children, and he developed a successful career with Richardson’s Real Estate. Ron loved helping people find their perfect home and didn’t retire until he was 88 years old. He loved his career and had many fond memories of his business associates and clients while a realtor for 64 years. Ron loved being with family and friends at the cottage, on ski trips and when travelling the world.
Family attributed his longevity to his love of family, a lifelong quest for learning, his spiritual beliefs, his sprints to the court house to ‘seal a real estate deal’, Glad’s healthy meals, great genetics, and some really good luck. He was an inspiration to all with his goodwill, generosity and compassion. Ron had a blessed life with a few extra victory laps, for which we are all truly thankful.
The Richardson family is grateful to the private Independent Contractors (Diana and Charles Smith), Meaningful Living Home Care Services (Draga Trapara and her team), the LHIN-Family Managed Home Care (Lisa Cann), LHIN (Nicole Lukey and Katherina Girouard), Dr. Kirk Hamilton, and Dr. Kevin Braden. We are also thankful for all the years of other caregivers, neighbours, friends, and family who supported Glad and then Ron while continuing to live in their family home.
A Celebration of Life service will be held when the pandemic restrictions safely allow family and friends to mingle and remember Ron’s blessed life.
The family would like to share a video of Ron reflecting on his wonderful life and blessed family.
To view the video please click here: >An Interview with Ron
In lieu of flowers, please cheer-up someone today by calling or writing or practising the Golden Rule. Charitable donations can be made to your favourite cause or to one of Ron’s. He actively supported World Accord, 185 Frobisher Drive, Suite C, Waterloo, Ontario N2V 2E6 ( 1-800-525-3545 or www.worldaccord.org) and many local organizations such as Community of Christ Church (www.communityofchrist.ca), Mission Services of London – Men’s Mission (www.missionservices.ca), or Canadian Red Cross (www.redcross.ca).
A fond memory of Ron may be shared in the condolences below.
Leave a tribute for Ronald Owen Bryden Richardson
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(Donated to Community of Christ Church)
(Donated to Mission Services of London - Men's Mission)
(Donated to Mission Services of London - Men's Mission)
(Donated to Mission Services of London - Men's Mission)
(Donated to World Accord)
(Donated to Mission Services of London - Men's Mission)
(Donated to Mission Services of London - Men's Mission)
(Donated to Mission Services of London - Men's Mission)
(Donated to World Accord)
(Donated to Canadian Red Cross)
(Donated to Mission Services of London - Men's Mission)
(Donated to Canadian Red Cross)
Dear Maureen and Richardson Clan, I was a little girl on Kingspark watching the activities across the street of what looked to me like lots of fun. One day, I was asked to babysit baby Douglas and Robyn ..... I think they were two of the first grandchildren. Of course I was very excited to be asked. It's strange how even today I remember your Mom - always doing something in the kitchen, on the phone, just busy but very kind and chatty with me. I remember your TV room with the wall full of framed graduation photos. I watched your video and thought to myself - Mr. Richardson captured family better then anyone or book I have read. I am very grateful to have known both your parents. Much Love, Jolie
The staff of the London Hunt Club express their condolences to the magnificent legacy that Ron left behind. He will be missed. "You have to think of others, because you don't get your happiness from yourself, you get your happiness from bringing happiness to others." R.R.
God rest Ron's soul. Ron's optimism was contagious and his knowledge on so many subjects was motivating. Because of Ron, Cathy became a Climate Change Activist. She joined the David Zuzuki Foundation and has participated in many letter writing campaigns. Ron is top of mind with every letter. Let's embrace Ron's heartfelt wish for us to be kind, patient, forgiving and to love one another with our words and deeds. Sending hugs, blessings and our deepest condolences to the Richardson Family.
Ron was an amazing human being. He saw goodness everywhere. My condolences to his family. I will miss his annual reflections.
Remembering Ron with great fondness. Always a pleasant visit and chat, whether at a family celebration, at our cottage or on the golf course. Ron's lasting legacy is his family...our sincere condolences.
Left a note in LFP . A wonderful caring man
I was so fortunate to meet Ron as a young new real estate agent in the 80's. Always a gentleman. Admired and respected by all. May we all aim to be more like him. Spread happiness.
I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Richardson and two things come to my mind and both bring a smile to my face. The first time I met Mr. Richardson, I had been invited to spend a weekend at their cottage ( Maureen and I are friends) . Maureen and I were out walking with him and he said to me you know the cottage beside us is for sale and he started to describe all the features the cottage had and what a good investment it would be for me. He was a natural real estate sales person through and through. The second most memorable moment I have is seeing Mr. Richardson come daily to see his beloved wife Gladys when she was hospitalized following a major stroke. I was working at Parkwood at the time and we would have a few wee chats before he went up to see her and the love he had for Gladys and how he spoke about her made me smile and wish that I would experience a true deep love like that one day. Mr. Richardson was a remarkable and honorable gentlemen. Rosemary Goodchild
What a beautiful life Ron has shared with us all. I had the pleasure of meeting your dear Dad, Grandfather and Great- grandfather shortly after I moved into the neighbourhood. Maureen was accompanying him to vote, and we had a delightful little chat. As I walk by the family home each day, I will miss knowing that Ron is there, with his wonderful outlook on life. But he is now with his beloved Glad and others, making sure they are all continuing to live The Golden Rule. My prayers go out to each and everyone of you.
I am very sorry for your loss. My dad always spoke highly of Mr. Richardson. He will be missed but remembered as a good man.
Condolences to the family. I greatly miss our Tuesday lunches.
I alway enjoyed our chats from time to time over the years,a wonderful man who had a truly remarkable wonderful life of success in family and business.. My sincere condolences.
What a wonderful tribute.. A great neighbor, a real gentlemen and a truly remarkable person. It was an honor to call him a friend.. We will miss him. John and Sharon
I worked for Ron back in the late 1970's at Richardson's Real Estate. He was knowledgeable and very generous with his agents and I have personally very good memories of him. Rest in peace old friend.
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If you wish to make a donation, please consider one of the charities listed below. You will be taken to the charity's website to process your payment.
Mission Services of London - Men's Mission
World Accord
Canadian Red Cross
Community of Christ Church
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Kindly submit the form below if you wish to notify the family of your donation.Memories
Ron was one of my father's dearest friend. I always remember so many stories that my Dad told of his visits with Ron and Glad. I will always remember the day when I was able to introduce my wife to Ron at Fawn Island. We surprised him by boat in the early afternoon and true to form Ron was always just Ron. He was out working in the yard in his comfort clothes and so modest and kind. It was just a simple thing but his kindness and attention to us that day will always be remembered by us both. He could immediately make you so comfortable as if you were his friend of many years and not just a new introduction. Teri and I will never forget his kindness to us and my father and mother throughout the years. Our deepest condolences to the entire family. He was a very kind and great man. It was a blessing to have known him.
~ William Currier