Robert Richards
April 17, 1937- December 18, 2010
At age 73, Robert, know to friends as Bob, died unexpectedly on December 18th from complications of lymphoma and diabetes. He was born in Sacramento to Helen and Sheridan Richards and raised in Sutter Creek, CA. He graduated from Amador High School, San Jose State University, and earned a MFA from Oakland College of Arts and Crafts. After college he married Joan Dudak and they taught in Germany before settling in Sonoma to raise their two children Kathleen and Kevin. Bob taught high school for many years in Marin County before purchasing Old City Pottery in Sonoma. He was very involved in the art community and was a member of the Sonoma Arts Guild. After selling the business he finished his teaching career at Hannah Boys Center. He later retired in Sutter Creek where he lived with his wife Jill Kelley and raised their granddaughter Hannah Cahoon.
Bob is survived by his daughter Kathleen (Marty) Brown, son Kevin (Canaan) Richards, brother Ron (Sue) Richards, wife Jill Kelley, first wife and friend Joan Graveson, grandchildren Sam and Noah Richards, Logan and Lauren Brown, and Hannah Cahoon and numerous extended family members.
Bob spent the last five months of his life in Sonoma being cared for by his son Kevin and daughter in law, Canaan.
Bob had many talents including teaching, writing, painting and ceramics. He was fortunate enough to show his art work in numerous galleries and sold to many private collectors.
A memorial service will be held on Friday January 14th at 11 am at the Sonoma United Methodist Church, 109 Patten Street, Sonoma. Since he was a lover of the arts, in lieu of flowers please send donations to the Sonoma Valley Museum of Art, at P.O. Box 322, Sonoma, CA 95476, directed to Education Program.
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