Michael A. Richards

Michael A. Richards Athol – Michael A. Richards, 65, died Saturday, June 7, 2014.      Michael was born April 17, 1949, to the late Lillian I. (Thomson) and Frederick Richards.   He grew up in Athol where he has lived all of his life.  He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. Following his discharge he went back to school and graduated from Ralph C. Mahar Regional High School in 1975.         Mike worked at the L.S. Starrett Company and the Rodney Hunt Company until he became disabled.         Mike was an avid reader and liked researching his passion for gold mining. He enjoyed camping, prospecting and panning for gold.  He was co-founder and president of “Gold Miners of New England” for many years.  He served as Scout Master for Boy Scout Troop #38 for 10 years.  He enjoyed all aspects of scouting.      Mike enjoyed martial arts but his heart and love was for “Sikaran” and his extended Sikaran family.  Mike had the gift to gab and loved spending time with his family and friends.  He will be missed by all, especially his son, Allen.       He leaves is wife of 40 years, Toni G. (Savage) Richards, their son Allen M. his wife Lindsay and their daughter, Marilyn Haley of Athol.  He also leaves a son from a previous marriage, William Richards of Elba, Alabama; a brother, Dennis P. Richards and his wife Sheree of Athol and many nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by two brothers, Frederick and Walter both of Athol.       Calling hours will be held Saturday, June 14, 2014 from 9:00 to 10:45 a.m. at Higgins-O’Connor Funeral Home, 146 Main Street, Athol.  There will be a graveside service with military honors following at 11:00 a.m. at Highland Cemetery.   In lieu of flowers the family suggests donation may be made in Michael’s name to the American Heart Association, 20 Speen St., Framingham, MA  01701-4688 or ALS Association, Mass Chapter, 7 Lincoln Street, Wakefield, MA 01880.  For further information or to share a memory with the family go to:  www.higginsoconnorfuneralhome.com. $(document).ready(function(){ });