Obituary of John Edwin Richardson

RICHARDSON, John Edwin – Passed away peacefully at Eastholme Home for the Aged on December 3, 2014, after a struggle with Parkinson’s. John was the loving partner of Peggy Mueller, he was 84 years old. John is survived and sorely missed by three children David Richardson (Kim Rainville), Judi Richardson (Jim Catania) and Cathie Richardson (Tony Valente). He will be sincerely missed by the children’s mother Sheila Richardson (nee Godfrey). He is also survived by five grandchildren Cameron and Sarah Richardson, Bianca and Noah Valente and Mitchell Catania. John was predeceased by his parents Willard and Annabel Richardson and by his brother Robert (survived by Jane Richardson). John will be remembered fondly by Peggy's children Lisa Geisler (Jamie) , ‎ Michael Mueller (Kristine Self) and grandchildren Brooklyn and Jake Geisler. John was an active business, community and family man throughout his life. After working as a Shell Oil engineer, he returned from Vancouver to run the family business ‘Richardson’s Hardware’ in 1960. As the third generation manager, John was instrumental in transforming the store to become a destination retail outlet for china and gifts and his passion, sporting goods. He successfully championed the development of a sporting goods buying group for the north, which became ‘Source for Sports’. Sadly the iconic store burnt to the ground in 1998. As a community –minded leader, John was involved in Kiwanis for over 45 years, lead the Waterfront Park bench project and was involved with Canadore College, the North Bay Mattawa Conservation Authority and sat on the boards of Trillum and CAA. John was intimately involved in ski racing in North Bay and across the province. He was one of the founding members of the Nancy Greene Ski League in North Bay. John was instrumental in reviving Jack Pine Hill in the City of North Bay. An athlete throughout life, John continued skiing until age 78 despite a broken neck in a skiing accident at age 69. He was generous with friends, family and strangers alike. He loved cottage life on Trout Lake and it is with great sadness that we acknowledge that he will not enjoy another sunset from the cottage deck. Family will receive friends at the Martyn Funeral Home on Sunday, from 2-4 and 7-9:00 pm. A Funeral Service will be held at St. Andrew’s United Church on Monday, December 8th at 11:00 am. Donations to either Parkinson’s Society Canada or Kiwanis Nipissing (cheques only) will be greatly appreciated by the family. Online condolences can be made at www.martynfh.com