Pete (Martin Erwin Leaper) Richards passed away in Richland, Wash. on July 21, 2024 at the age of 90.
He was born on Aug. 10, 1933 in Portland to Mary Harrison and Martin Leaper, who divorced in May 1935. Then his mom remarried in October 1939 to Paul Richards in Portland. Later Pete took Paul’s last name and changed his name to Pete Richards.
He attended school in White Salmon, where he graduated. He got his state farmer degree in FFA. He met his wife, Lois Oaks; they were married on June 20, 1953 in The Dallas. Pete joined the Army for a few years and was stationed in Georgia before going to Fort Lewis.
When he left the Army they moved to Redmond, where Karen was born at home. As Pete stated, the most interesting experience was living about one mile from the hospital and delivering his only daughter at home – not on purpose, a really quick delivery.
He started working at the Army depot in June 1959 as a security guard, then transferred to the fire department at the depot and retired on March 1, 1986. Pete and family moved to Irrigon in 1961 before moving to a 42-acre farm in 1966, where they had cows, sheep, pigs, chickens, turkeys, horses, llamas, and peacocks.
Pete was always there for his children and supported them a lot. Pete was involved in local school sports; you would always see him in the grandstands cheering on the team. He was a huge Riverside High School (Boardman) Pirates fan, following his children to football, basketball, baseball and track events. He followed the Pirates’ softball teams through playoffs, even after they won a state title. He was also a Little League baseball coach for several years, coaching his boys as well as others. He made baseball fun for all the kids; they learned a lot about the game.
Pete enjoyed fishing and hunting, then after retirement he took up steelhead and salmon fishing. Pete was able to take his first trip to Alaska in 1989. He went to Kodiak on a fishing trip for halibut and silver salmon. Pete stated, “Boy, was that a super experience.” He traveled to Canada and Alaska for fishing trips. He also liked traveling, rock hunting and going to sporting events.
Pete was a 4-H leader for several years and was involved in his children’s 4-H and FFA activities. He served on the fair board and the agricultural stabilization and conservation board.
Pete was a huge Blazer fan. He was a season ticket holder from 1995 to 2020 when his son David took them over. He went to at least 40 games a year when they played at home. He often took family and friends with him to enjoy the games in person. He would also take his grandkids’ high school basketball teams to games. When he couldn’t make it to the games he would sell his tickets. He got the NBA channel when he was no longer able to attend in person so he could continue to watch the Blazers at home. In the winter of 2007, Pete was honored as the fan of the week by the Trail Blazers during half time at one of the home games.
Pete is survived by his wife of 71 years, Lois Oaks Richards; children, David Richards (Maria), Robert Richards (Pamela), Karen Russell (George) and Donald Richards (Charlene); 11 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; four sisters; one brother; and many extended family members.
A celebration of life will be announced at a later time.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
