Paul M. Richards
August 31, 1938 - October 27, 2021
Paul M. Richards, 83, passed away at home on October 27th, surrounded by his wife and daughter. Paul was born in Estherville, Iowa, to Gilbert Richards and Pauline Rousseau Richards, the younger of their two sons, but was raised from infancy in California.
We will all miss this caring, generous man. His kind heart, honesty and wit worked in tandem with his sharp business mind. He could always bring people and issues together with a smile and his soft spoken manner. It was his heart and sincerity that inspired people. When you met Paul, you knew you were blessed. His strength of character and quiet grace will always be remembered.
Paul is survived by his wife of 59 years, Bonnie, his daughter, Janet Cardinalli (Ray), two grandchildren, Katelyn and Mark, his sisters, MacKenzie Roorda and Paula Sardina, his brother Michael, and his nieces, Bonnie, Kelly and Erin, and his nephew, Michael. He also leaves behind his beloved dogs Heather and Chloe. He was predeceased by his brother, David.
A Memorial Mass will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Medford on Friday, November 5th at 10:30 a.m. Donations in Paul's memory may be made to the charity of one's choice.
Published in the Medford Oregon Mail Tribune from Nov. 2 to Nov. 3, 2021
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For more information about Paul's work with Alyeska, please click on the link below
Margy Henderson
I am so sorry to hear of Paul's passing. He and Bonnie have been good friends of mine since 1984, long before I joined Alyeska Pipeline. We traveled together, visited each other's homes, went camping and thoroughly enjoyed so many good times. He was a man of principle, who always relied
on the truth and loved a good laugh. Blessings to my dear Bonnie. The photos were taken about 1996 when we shared a house in Puerto Vallarta.
Larry Wood
Paul was a wonderful friend and gifted co-worker.
He was one of Alyeska's primary representives during legislative sessions in Juneau. Beginning in 1991, I was very fortunate to have had the opportunity to spend lots of time with Paul as we prepared for and presented information to government officials and legislators regarding a variety of pipeline-related topics and issues. Well-spoken and personable, Paul put his broad understanding of Alyeska's history, operations, and personnel to good use while interacting with our company's many public stakeholders -- and I saw him do it on many occasions.
Paul's word was his bond. I believe that his honesty, loyalty and sincerity were key traits to Paul's success both professionally and personally. A terrific individual: he will be sorely missed.
Dave Rees
Paul was a great friend and mentor. I first met Paul when I was at ARCO and our common bond was around training and the education system. He and I spent a lot of time at UA committee meetings focused on workforce development and opportunities for young Alaskans to become part of the Oil & Gas industry. His insights were always on the mark and his long association with the legislature as a lobbyist and consultant were very effective for both the UA and for all education and training entities in Alaska. Over the years, any trip to Juneau had a stop at Paul's for lunch and for guidance for approaching the legislators and commissioners on workforce development as he was known there as the sage whether for O&G legislation or education. I will miss him and so will Alaska.
Keith Burke
It is a very sad day to hear of Pauls passimg. I worked with Paul for close to 20 years. Paul always had a smile and a positive word to say.
The world needs more people like Paul and he will be missed Greatly. Hope to see you again My Friend.
Dave Norton
Paul was a real gentleman and was always kind to me. He represented Alyeska well both in Juneau and in the wider community. Sorry to hear he's not in our community anymore. Larry, can you post the link to his Alyeska experience mentioned in the obit?