Norman "Norm" Richards

Norman "Norm" Richards passed away Sunday, March 10, 2013 in Jackson, CA at the age of 83. He was born July 19, 1929 in Eugene, OR to Arthur and Agnes Richards. Norm was a veteran serving in the U.S. Marine Corps. in the 1st Marine Division. His parents owned and operated Richards Machine Shop, supplying machinery for the logging industry. Norm returned from his time in the service and joined his parents in the family business that eventually became Richards Manufacturing Co. Norm designed and built the Richards Iron Shark, a large double edge shear used to cut up autos in the scrap metal industry. The family business was eventually sold and he began a career as a project engineer for many companies. Norm spent time in Syria training a few chosen young men to operate and maintain a dredge. He worked at the Mare Island Submarine Base for a time and for the Chevron and Shell Oil Companies in the Bay Area. Norm accepted a job with Georgia Pacific in 1993, so he and Joyce moved to Jackson. They enjoyed Amador County and stayed even after the job was finished. He continued to take on jobs and traveled but always returned to Jackson. Norman is survived by his wife, Joyce Richards; sons, Todd, Dan, Steve; daughter, Gina and her husband, Mitch; 5 grandchildren; and 2 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his eldest son, Michael. At the family's request there will be no services. Inurnment will be private.