Alvin (Al) Lee Richardson, 87

May 17, 1925 - Dec. 20, 2012

Born in Amherst, Texas, to Ione (Treatt) and George Richardson. Al grew up in Texas and Arizona. Quitting school by 5th grade, he took on the male obligation to support his family – two sisters, a brother and a mom. By 18 years old he was married and enlisted in the Navy, marrying his childhood sweetheart, Virginia. Their first child, Judy was born while Al was in the Navy; World War II was going on. Soon, thereafter two more children would come, Carol and Allen. By 1956 Al was divorced and remarried to Audrey Pearson. Less than two years later he would adopt her only child, Diane. His love as a father was unquestioning and always giving. His daughter Carol remembered her father as someone she always held on a pedestal. And he never let her down.

At a young age, Al became a journeyman mechanic. He eventually aspired to owning his own auto repair business. Audrey was his bookkeeper. They were a great team in working the business together. By age 52 Al successfully retired from the auto repair business, doing quite well. He was well liked by his clients and considered an honest businessman. Unfortunately, Al and Audrey divorced shortly after the retirement, no longer having the business to keep the relationship intact.

Al enjoyed his retirement, training horses. He truly was the real cowboy, living the ethics of fairness and pride of accomplishments. Al was a member of the Masonic creed as well as many horsemen associations.

He is survived by his daughter, Diane Richardson of Hayden Lake; daughters, Judy Wright and Carol Hartje; 10 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren of California; and three nephews, Mathew, Michael, Jon and Marshall Richardson, who also reside in Kootenai County.

Yates Funeral Home, Coeur d’Alene, is entrusted with the care of final arrangements. Please visit Al’s online memorial and sign his guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.