Alan Richards

Alan Paul Richards was a caring, joyful person who always looked for the best in everything and everybody. He loved and was loved by many, never happier than when surrounded by his friends and family members. Alan lived life to the fullest, often saying, "Live for today, because you never know what tomorrow will bring."

Wally and Elaine (Schmitz) Richards were blessed with the birth of a wonderful baby son on November 25, 1966, whom they christened Alan Paul Richards. Friendly and outgoing, Alan was lucky enough to have 4 siblings waiting for him: Linda, Cheryl, Nancy and Jeff. Soon Chad would be born to make an even half-dozen; the oldest son, Lenny, had died at birth. The Richards family lived in the Midwestern town of Beloit, Wisconsin, which Alan would call home for many years to come. Alan was very mechanically gifted, and had a fascination with machines. As early as the age of five, Alan enjoyed riding dirt bikes (he had five!) and even tractors at the family cabin. Alan also loved riding with his dad in the semi-truck - for years he would cherish a lingering wish to drive them for a living on the open road. Alan enjoyed deer hunting as well, which he started around the age of twelve.

One of Alan's most fundamental characteristics, which shaped his entire life, was his strong sense of community and genuine affection for everyone around him. He simply loved being around people. As a result, he was an ideal team member, and his enthusiastic presence was welcomed everywhere from the church youth group to local baseball and football teams. One of Alan's best friends as a teenager his two-year-old nephew named Jonathan. Alan took Jonathan all over with him - he was even known to appear at a few of Alan's dates! Jonathan was tragically killed at the age of three when he was hit by a car, but Alan never forgot his little buddy. Years later, Alan would name his only son after him, Alan Jonathan.

At school, Alan made lots of friends, including a girl named Ronnie who became his best friend in eighth grade. Their friendship only became closer over the years, and when they were both sophomores they started dating. Ronnie and Alan graduated in 1985, and two years later they reached another milestone in their lives: marriage. The happy couple invited friends and family to celebrate their wedding with them in Alan's childhood church in Beloit on October 10, 1987. Throughout their marriage, Alan was a dedicated, supportive husband; Ronnie feels very blessed to have been in Alan's life everyday.

Alan had been working for Gulfstream (formerly KC Aviation) since 1981, which he continued after his marriage until 1999. At that time, the family moved to Holland where Alan had found work at Westshore Aviation. He also volunteered as a firefighter at the Oshkosh Township Fire Department for eight years. Alan was a hard worker and enjoyed both jobs since they allowed him to use his mechanical aptitude. Whether it was at work or at home, Alan was known for being able to fix anything - he always left things better than the way he found them. Ronnie, Ame and AJ all remember Alan's "strong but loving hands."

Soon after his marriage, Alan and Ronnie became the proud parents of two children: Amelia Hattie and Alan Jonathan. Alan Jonathan was named after Alan's nephew, while Amelia Hattie shares her name with Alan's grandmother. Amelia's name represents Alan's deep love for his family, which was instantly extended to the two newest members. Alan felt that the greatest days of his life were the days he found out his daughter would survive and the day his son was born. A playful, dedicated dad, Alan loved supporting his children in whatever they did. He tried to attend every event the kids were involved in, and when he couldn't he invariably called them before the event to tell them how proud he was of them. Alan found time to be a sports coach, a scout leader, and a youth leader in their church; in his understanding, enthusiastic way, he always pushed his family to be the best they could be in whatever they did. Alan was a man who really knew his kids - their likes, their dislikes, their friends - and he loved nothing more than spending time with them. One of their favorite rituals was Alan's nightly singing as he tucked them into bed. Amelia and AJ know their father loved them, both because of his actions and because he told them so every day.

Alan was an easy-going, friendly guy who knew how to enjoy life. He loved people and excitement and action: you could always find him in the center of things. He liked listening to music, for example, and more often than not he would have it playing in the background. Alan enjoyed getting together with friends and family, and some of his favorite times were hunting trips, golf outings, fishing trips to Canada, vacations with his family, or just sitting around the campfire. Often sharing in these adventures were his dogs, Spooky, Clipper, Candy, Rocki, Molly, and his new puppy Brewski. Alan loved the outdoors, especially climbing the sand dunes or walking around in the woods behind his house. He was also an enthusiastic boater and fisherman, and actually lived on Lake Winnebago for three years. His favorite place in the world, however, was the family cabin in Shenington, Wisconsin, where they vacationed as often as they could. Finally, since Alan was from Wisconsin he was (of course!) a "Packer Backer," a loyal Green Bay Packer fan.

Although Alan thoroughly enjoyed all these activities, what really made them worthwhile for him were the people he did them with: his family and friends. People were the most important part of his life, and since he truly believed in everyone around him he brought out the best in people. Alan was the kind of person who "never knew a stranger" - as soon as you met him you were his friend. His many friends and family members will never forget his incredible passion for life and his deep caring for those around him. In the words of his wife Ronnie:

"Alan was a very special person. His greatest trait, and the reason you are all here, is because Alan didn't just look past peoples faults; he chose not to see them at all. We all have weaknesses and shortcomings but not to Al. He saw everyone as a person and an opportunity to make a friend. He touched everyone because he truly loved who they were . . . Al reminded us that every person has value and everyone is valuable to your life. This includes your mailman, your neighbor, your child's teacher, your best friends and your spouse. Think about how much Alan showed you his love and friendship and then someday soon reach out and make a new friend. Show your love to your children, your spouse and your friends everyday, just as Alan did."

Alan Richards, age 38 of Holland, Michigan, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, June 6, 2005. He is survived by his loving wife Ronnie of Holland; his two wonderful children Amelia Hattie and Alan Jonathan, both of Holland; his parents, Wally and Elaine Richards of Beloit, WI; his three sisters, Linda and Raymond Crawford of Camp Douglas, WI, Cheryl and Steve Pinnow of Beloit, WI, and Nancy and Patrick Considine of Brodhead, WI; two brothers, Jeff and Polly Richards of South Beloit, Illinois, and Chad and Sonia Richards of Perry, GA; his parents-in-law, Cheryl and Tony Urbin of Beloit, WI; his sister-in-law Dana and John Hoff of Brodhead, WI; his brother-in-law, Donnie and Ami Garner of Beloit, WI; his grandmother-in-law, Agnes Venard of Phenix City, AL; fourteen nieces and nephews; three nieces and nephews-in-law; eight great nieces and nephews; and numerous very dear friends. He was preceded in death by an infant brother, Lenny, grandparents George and Hattie Schmitz, Robert and Eliza Carey, grandfather-in-law, Frank Venard, and nephew Jonathan Pinnow.

Funeral services will be held at 7:00 PM on Tuesday June 14, 2005 in Park Christian Reformed Church, 1496 West 32nd St., Holland, Michigan. Visitation will be held in the Church from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. A funeral service was also held on Saturday June 11, 2005 in Second Congregational Church, 657 Bluff St. Beloit, WI. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alan P. Richards Children's Fund, 1585 South Washington Ave, Holland, MI 49423. In honor of Alan and to celebrate his vibrant life colorful apparel would be greatly appreciated. Arrangements are by the Dykstra Funeral Homes, 188 W. 32nd Street, Holland, MI, and by the Schoenfeld Funeral Home, Beloit, WI. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com for further information.