Charles E. Richardson

Charles Edward Richardson, a.k.a., Rich, was born in Monroe, LA on August 12, 1946.  He was raised in Bremerton, WA, attended schools in Kitsap County, and graduated from West Bremerton High School in 1965.  While in school, Rich discovered his love of sports, especially softball, and continued to play on various community teams throughout adulthood.  In 1966, Rich was drafted into the Army and was assigned to Fort Lewis Army Base (JBLM) in Tacoma, WA.  After military training he was deployed to Vietnam.  During a tour of duty, Rich was wounded and awarded the Purple Heart.

After an honorable discharge from the Army, Rich settled in Seattle, WA where he started a new career as a field technician at Pacific Northwest Bell.  Shortly after he was hired, he met and married Gennell Hurd (formerly Forks Johnson).  To this union one child was born, Padrienne Richardson, and he gained two sons as well, Silvester Johnson and LaVester Johnson.

Rich was hardworking, dedicated to the company, and loved his job.  He would often take his daughter on joyrides in his utility truck throughout the city.  During these rides he would teach her the telecom grid of the city one central office at a time.  Little did he know his same passion for technology would emerge in his daughter.  Throughout the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s Rich led and trained numerous technicians as they onboarded with the phone company until his retirement, in October 2006.

During his free time, Rich loved to go fishing, spend time with his grandkids, watch the History and Discovery channels, create gadgets, and listen to music.

Rich is preceded in death by his mother, father, three brothers, one sister, cousins, aunts, and in-laws.

Rich departed this life on March 16, 2024.  Rich leaves to cherish his memory and to carry on his legacy a daughter, Padrienne Richardson, grand-son Andre Davis Jr, grand-daughter Ashane Davis, two sons, Silvester Johnson and LaVester Johnson all of Seattle, WA.  He also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

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