The Reverend Kenneth D. Richards

The Rev. Kenneth "Ken" D. Richards, of Rochester, Minnesota, passed away on Friday, March 13. He was 84.

Ken was born in Ogden, Utah on December 19, 1941 at Dee Hospital, for which he was given his middle name.

He was raised by his parents in Oregon where he shined for Hillsboro High School in football, basketball, and track. Kenny, as his classmates called him, worked heavy construction alongside his father each summer.

Ken graduated from the University of Oregon with a Master’s Degree in Music. It was during this time that he met the love of his life, Diane, aboard a ship bound for Europe for a study abroad program. Surrounded by fellow music students, the voyage became a cherished beginning to their life together.

“We would dance and play music until early hours of the morning, and your mom and I would sit on the deck together watching the sunrise,” he once said.

The couple later married, and Ken received his Master’s Degree in Theology from the Church Divinity School of the Pacific in Berkeley, California.

With his wife and later four children, Ken lived a life of deep faith and devoted service for nearly 60 years—first as a priest in the Episcopal Church and later in the Anglican tradition.

He lovingly served many congregations who became dear to his heart, including St. Bartholomew’s, Livermore, St. Stephen’s in the Field, San Jose, where he was also headmaster at St. Stephen’s School, and St. Michael’s, Ridgecrest, all in California.

During those years, he also led several pilgrimages to the Holy Land.

Diane suddenly passed away at age 54, and with his family, friends, and parishioners, Ken was able to get through that heartbreaking time.

He became canon pastor of St. James Cathedral in Fresno, California.

He later married writer, Susan Devore Williams, and the two retired in Rochester, Minnesota to be closer to family.

Ken enjoyed classical music, was a gifted singer, and didn’t mind getting socks for Christmas.

He loved the outdoors, and the many church campouts and ski trips he organized reached legendary status to those who experienced them.

Among his favorite places to vacation were Monterey Dunes beach cottages in California; Coeur d’Alene, Idaho on the Fourth of July; and the quiet cabins of northern Wisconsin.

He attended two Winter Olympics, in Innsbruck, Austria, and Salt Lake City, Utah, and the Richards appeared on an episode of Family Feud in 1990.

He was a proud lifetime member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity and the University of Oregon Alumni Association, and his devotion to the Oregon Ducks was unwavering.

During his time in Minnesota, he enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s many sporting events, as well as Holy Spirit Catholic Church and having brunch afterward at Five West.

“Papa” loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, great-grandchild, and their families.

He was known for making the best breakfasts in town, which usually included his signature french toast, and on special occasions, the Danish delicacy, aebleskiver pancakes.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Otto and Grace; his first wife, Diane; his second wife, Susan; and his brother, Bob.

He is survived by daughters, Kimberly (Todd) Crouse, Kathryn (John) Archambault, Jennifer (Doug) Daley; son, David (Mindy); grandchildren, Ashton (Christa), Parker, Natalie, Josh, Nicholas, Hudson, Cambria, Grace, Landon, and Ryan; and great-grandson, Braxton.

The family would like to thank all of the friends and loved ones who showed care and compassion during the past week.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Holy Spirit Catholic Church, Rochester, or St. Felix Catholic Church, Wabasha, both in Minnesota, or a church or charity of your choice.

A Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday, April 11 at 11 a.m. at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Rochester, with Fr. David Medow and Fr. Tom Loomis presiding. Visitation is at 10 a.m. The service will be live streamed at https://www.youtube.com/live/oCRlNw0k2gk