Kenneth D. Richardson

After a valiant battle, Kenneth Doram Richardson succumbed to lung cancer on Wednesday August 23rd, 2023 in Lakewood, California at the age of 70. He is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 50 years, Ellen June (Fuller) Richardson; his daughters Kristy Dodge (husband Ivan) and Diana Moreau (husband Devin); his grandchildren Madelynne Moreau, Joshua Dodge and Merrick Moreau; his brothers and sisters Leonard Richardson, Kashmir Richardson (wife Paula), Ronald Richardson, Marvin Strange, Sonya Franck (husband Richard) and Tonya Strange, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and his beloved dog Sara June.

Born in Evanston, Illinois to Ruby Mae (Holder) and Kashmir Richardson on February 23, 1953, Kenny was fondly known as “cotton top” due to his stark white hair. The family moved out West and settled in Compton, California in 1955, living with his Grandparents Loretta and Doram Richardson.

Soon after high school he enlisted into the Army, training at Fort Ord, California; Fort Benning, Georgia; and Fort Campbell, Kentucky where he joined the 101st Airborne Division. He was then transferred to Anchorage, Alaska to a base with a familiar name: Fort Richardson, accompanied by his wife and young daughter, Kristy. Within a couple of years they moved back to California with a brand-new addition to their family- Diana, who was just days old as they left. He completed his Army service back at Ford Ord.

Kenneth then began a career as a crane operator and rigger at Mobil Oil refinery in Torrance. Spending over 35 years there, he was not only diligent at his core duties, but he co-chaired the United Way campaign and worked his way up the union ranks with what started out as OCAW local 1-547 and ended as USW 1-675. He was on the workman’s committee, involved in contract negotiations, and even traveled to Texas and Louisiana as part of the Nationwide Council for Exxon-Mobil refineries. Having a passion for helping people and standing up for his colleagues was a priority. Many of his friends there became part of his family, he considered them to be his “brothers from another mother”.

Always full of life and enjoying many activities and hobbies, Kenny joined softball and bowling leagues; and he was part of a team that won first place at several chili cook-offs, known as “Rigger Mortis Road Kill Chili”. He loved fishing, starting out off the rocks at the local beaches with his brothers growing up, then going out on deep sea fishing boats, or just relaxing at a lake- throw a line in and he was happy. One of his favorite things to say during these times was, “I may not catch a fish, but I’ll catch a buzz”, enjoying a beer while waiting for the ‘big one’. Once he retired, he gave golfing a chance and loved that too- even accomplishing a hole in one- more than once- at the local par 3 Hartwell golf course in Long Beach. He loved to travel- whether it was to visit family or see the sights and adventure. From deep-sea fishing up in Alaska, a hot air balloon ride in Temecula, California or skipping along the everglades on an airboat in Louisiana, he was always up for fun.

He’d be the first to hit the dance floor and the last to leave the party. Music was in his soul, especially the oldies and classic rock. Even up until the end he could still sing along, remembering every word to every song he ever enjoyed. He’d watch just about any sports, but was especially a fan of the Lakers, Dodgers and his ultimate favorite: The Rams. Having a lifelong dream of becoming a season ticket holder, thanks to the Rams making their way back to LA in 2016, he finally achieved it. To top it off, Kenny was able to watch the Rams win Super bowl LVI in their new SoFi stadium, lifting the spirits of their #1 fan while fighting his illness. The only thing he loved more than sports was family and spending time with them, especially his 3 young grandchildren. He always showed up to support their activities or even just a “Grandparent’s Day” at school; a very proud grandpa.

Kenny was a loud, ornery, fun-loving, cranky, loving, generous, passionate man. He was a good man with a huge heart of gold and is already sorely missed. However, he left everyone that he came in contact with a lasting, indelible memory; a way to celebrate his life and cherish his impact in theirs.

Viewing at 1:30pm Thursday September 21st, Memorial Service and Burial to begin at 2pm. Green Hills Memorial Park 27501 South Western Avenue, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275