Gerald Ronald Richardson of Ferndale, passed away on April 25, 2022 at the age of 83. Jerry was born on April 23, 1939 in Akron, Ohio to Georgianna (Hughes) and Howard Richardson and he grew up in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. He joined the Navy at age 17 as a steelworker, 3rd class, and served as a SeaBee from 1958-1962. He was stationed at Kwajelene Atoll before being sent to Ferndale to help build the new Navy Base at Centerville Beach.

During his stint at Centerville Beach, Jerry met and married Donna Cox. After the Navy, Jerry owned and operated his own Pepsi delivery route. He then bought and ran the Cask and Flask Liquor Store in McKinleyville for 42 years. During that time, he bought a houseboat at Trinity Lake where he and his family made many wonderful memories.

After retirement, Jerry really enjoyed tending his vegetable garden and strawberry patch. He was very proud of his beautiful begonias and never gave up on growing a good tomato in the Ferndale weather. He also enjoyed playing blackjack, making his own clam chowder, traveling, and ocean fishing. A highlight every year was when he and Donna hosted the annual Tree Trimming crab feed for his large family. He enjoyed cooking his own crab and smoking specialty meats for the event.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Georgianna (Hughes) and Howard Richardson, his sister and brother, and his wife, Donna. He is survived by his children; a daughter, Kathy (Richardson) Dodds and husband Dave of Elk Grove; sons, Ron Richardson and wife Susie of Arizona; Gregg Richardson and wife Laura of Hillsboro, WI; Grant Richardson and wife Robin of Naples, FL; Brad Richardson and wife Ellen of Ashland, OR. He is also survived by 26 grandchildren; Lindsey, Stephanie, Katie, Vincent, Kayla, Christiana, Janelle, Karina, Rachel, Luke, Lee, James, Anna, William, Benjamin, John, Matthew, Drew, Jay, Emma, Stephen, Christopher, Joshua, Jonathan, Brianna, and Olivia. And he is also survived by 17 great grandchildren; Jrew, Marin, Ty, Aspen, Abeline, Justus, Uriah, Elysia, Eivin, Yvonne, Oren, Aven, Evelyn, Matthias, Calvin, Sebastian, and Derek.

A private family burial will take place at a later date to be determined.

The family extends our many thanks to Sequoia Springs for the care they provided. Memorial contributions may be made to the Ferndale Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 485 Ferndale, CA 95536. Our many thanks to the department for their swift and caring assistance for both of our parents.

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The obituary above was submitted by Jerry Richardson’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.