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William D. Richmond
07/19/1925 — 09/24/2010
From Richland, WA, US | Born in Denver, CO
William D. Richmond
WILLIAM D. RICHMOND, JR.
William Bill D. Richmond, Jr. passed away at his longtime home in Richland, WA, on September 24, 2010. Bill was born on July 19, 1925, in Denver, Colorado, the second of three children. After graduating from West High School in Denver, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and joined a program that sent him to Duane College. After transferring to the University of Wisconsin, he graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering. After school, he worked in Denver for the Bureau of Reclamation. In 1947, Bill moved to Richland to work for General Electric. Here he met his wife, Wilma. They wed in 1948 and were married 62 years.
Bill had a successful career at Hanford that spanned 42 years – first with General Electric and then with Battelle Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. He had a key role in the post war design and operation of the Department of Defense breeder reactor program. He held various managerial positions, including Manager of Operations of the DR Reactor, Manager of the H Reactor, and Manager of the Plutonium Recycle Test Reactor. He was part of the Battelle first team and was Director of Operations and Services. During his career, he also served as President of the Benton and Franklin Counties United Way and was the Washington State President of United Way in 1976-77.
Bill was an avid sports fan and played on many softball teams and bowling leagues. His favorite sport, however, was golf which he played three to four times a week. After he could no longer carry his bag for 18 holes, he kept golfing with the aid of his remote control cart that he fondly named "Fido." Bill shared his love of sports with his children and grandchildren. In addition to coaching his children's teams, he gave many one-on-one lessons about the skills, teamwork and dedication that sports require. After his retirement, he took on many new careers - taxi driver for his grandchildren, the on-call handy man for his daughters, and constant supporter of every school and sports activity.
He is survived by his wife, Wilma; his five children: Ginny Ross, Cindy Ewing, Mike Richmond, Jackie Richmond, and Pam Bradley; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and a loving extended family.
I had the pleasure of playing fast-pitch softball with and against Bill Richmond when I first moved to the Tri-Cities in the 1950s. I enjoyed bowling in the same league with Bill for many years, and I played a few games of golf with him.
I worked for Bill many years at PRTR. He was a classy, nice guy in business and pleasure.
Ron Feaster
Thinking about the entire Richmond family, and how we “kids” always felt welcome in their home. It was a great time and place to grow up, and the Richmonds on Cedar were an important part of those formative years. May all of those fond memories bring you joy and comfort.
Our love and prayers are with you.
My condolences to the Richmond family. I did not know a soul who did not like and respect Bill. He will be missed.
I have so many fond memories of Bill that I just want to say, he was the finest man I’ve ever had the honor to know. He was always there to help and was a wonderful Grandfather, coach and mentor. He had the wisdom of Solomon and the patience of Jobe. He gave me the greatest gift a father can. he gave me his daughter Ginny’s hand in marriage for which I’m eternally grateful. He will be missed by all who’ve known and loved him. Goodbye Bill
Your Son in Law
Dan
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Richmond family. Bill was a very special person in our life and we admired his love of family and genuine character. We feel priveleged to have known him and we will miss him.
I am sorry for your loss! I was wondering if your dad worked with my dad Doyle B. Fraley? I remeber you all if I have the right family. if not I am sorry but had to say hello and think I knew your dad through my dad. thank you and you can contact me if you want too.
Very sorry to learn of Bill’s passing. I worked in the areas and at PRTR. He was a great boss.
my family use to live next door to bill and wilma, in a ranch house on humphries street. i remember the family well, and was sad to hear of bills passing.
I second what my sister Janet wrote. We spent many great hours in the basement of the house on Cedar. I’ll never forget the little Fiat Mr. Richmond drove and watching him uncurled himself out of it.
I have only the best memories of Bill starting in 1965 when I joined Battelle, and lasting for decades. Frequently, come 4 p.m., Bill would come walking down the hall saying, “I’m going bowling, anyone want to come with me?” and we’d get 10-20 people to go bowling.
I also remember the meetings, with Bill smoking his cigar, and when we opened the door, blue smoke would billow out.
Bill was a gentleman, a friend, and a wonderful manager/mentor. He taught me what PRTR was all about, and then some. He was always there with his great big smile!
I am sorry I will be out of town for his service.
Gary Petersen
My memories are spur of the moment gatherings of the whole family at mom’s house, occasional Thanksgiving dinners at Don & Jean’s and the infamous commercials at the family picnics. One that Uncle Bill was in, has always stuck in my mind. It had to do with getting rid of belly button lint. I can still see him laying on his back on a picnic table with his belly button exposed. I think he won best actor award that year for bravery. I will always remember his robust laugh, beautiful smile and great sense of humor. That’s what I will hold dearly in my heart forever.
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William D. Richmond