William Richards

VIEW VIDEO TRIBUTE William 'Bill' C. Richards Jr. passed away on November 3 2005. Anyone that knew Bill knew that he lived his life in many ways. He was an enterprising businessman; an active civic leader; an avid golfer on courses around the world; a gracious host on many occassions; but most of all a man that was proud of his family. Bill was born on August 14 1918 to Nora and William Richards. He is survived by his wife of 62 years Betty (Link) daughters Carol Ruhaak (Bernie) Suzanne Richards Pat Schaffer Debbie Allison (Herman) Terri Richards (Dave Livingston) and Lyn Waters (Chris). Bill is survived by eleven grandsons (enough for a ball team): Bill Ruhaak Jeff Ruhaak Dave Bender (Crissy) Evan Bender Kristopher Gaug (Angie) Scott Schaffer (Kelly) Nick Gaug Greg Gaug Taylor Bond (Jenny Culp) Andrew Waters and Jaret Waters. He also leaves great-grandchildren Brian Ruhaak Brad Ruhaak Westyn Bender and Caitlin Schaffer as well as nieces Sue Schobert and Peggy Schobert; nephew Tim Richards; brother-in-law Bob Schobert (Sally) and other relatives. The family also wishes to acknowledge and give special thanks to Bill's caregivers especially Roy Pugh Nancy Chupek; Jenny Kay Vicki and Mike of Hospice of Summa; and Troy Dave Tim and Keith. Bill graduated from Buchtel High School attended The University of Akron and started his business career as a Swenson's curb boy where he met Betty. After a stint in the service in World War II he returned to Akron to work at Chamberlain Engineering. He then joined his father-in-law Herb Link at Bellows-Valvair a division of IBEC and Bellows Electric Sign. Bill became president of Bellows-Valvair in 1968 and with his guidance the company expanded worldwide. He also owned ERIC International working as a consultant in Malaysia and Saudi Arabia. Bill was active on many civic Boards. He served on the Board of Trustees of Summa Health System St. Hilary Foundation Akron Automobile Association FirstMerit Bluecoats and Akron Golf Charities. He served as President of Fairlawn Country Club Chairman of the American Golf Classic and Chairman of The PGA Championship. Bill was a founding member of the Sharon Golf Club where he introduced many of his grandsons to the game he loved. Bill was preceeded in death by his parents; sister Nora and brothers Frank and John; father- and mother-in-law Herb & Helen Link; grandson Herbie Gaug; and sister-in-law Lynn Schobert. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Hilary Church 2750 W. Market St. on Tuesday November 8 2005 at 10:30 am. Friends may call at the Hummel Funeral Home COPLEY 3475 Copley Rd. on Monday from 5:00-8:00 pm. In lieu of flowers please make donations to Hospice of Summa Fairlawn Fire & Rescue Richards Scholarship Fund of Our Lady of the Elms or the St. Hilary Foundation.