Happy birthday Richard. Your brothers are doing amazing dude, beautiful family, and striving. We miss you brother, forever and always.

It’s been 9years but feels like yesterday. Not a day go by that I don’t think about you. The anniversary just brings trauma. It doesn’t make me love you or miss you any less. It reminds me of the pain I felt 9years ago. Miss you.

Missing you today…our tradition of always celebrating birthdays is different with you. You’re not here to tell me where you would like to eat, what restaurant you would like to go….I will be at the cemetery in a bit to sign a happy birthday song and wish you happy birthday soon!! I hope you can hear me. ❤️❤️❤️ love you to the moon and back. Mom

Happy heavenly birthday Richard! You are missed 

Today marks the 8th year. I can’t tell if it’s better or worse. I only know I miss you and the feeling of missing someone but knowing that reality is you’ll never ever see them again or hear their voice, or watch them grow up is truly painful. I have only a visual of a certain age and you stayed that way. I want so much to see you with your children, grow old, and me being your mom still.

Happy heavenly birthday to you Richard! I hope you are looking down on us smiling ☺️

Today marks the 7th year. The pain gets better but for me sometimes it seems like yesterday. Your kids shines with your smile, energy and kindness. I miss that radiant energy about you that brightens the room when you’re in it. Love Mom.

Happy Birthday Richard, I miss you so much. And just like that, it’s been 6 years. Sometimes it seems like yesterday. It’s weird to me but grief works like that. Tai Popo has gone to be with you also. Your smile lives in my mind. I love you Son.

Happy birthday Richard I think about you all the time. I know you’re watching over your kids and I hope everyone’s doing great. Miss you

Happiest of heavenly birthdays to you Richard! You are missed everyday

Happy birthday Richard

thinkin about you and how i want to hear your voice and thinking about what you would say about justin and i getting our own place. i miss you

Happy 30th my beautiful son. You are always on my mind.

Happy 30th birthday Richard!!!

My Dear Richard,
Life has a funny way of showing us what is real and what is important. We all think we are invincible when we are young and as we get older we learn the truth a little more. Our life on this plant is not invincible and it shouldn’t be taken for granted and I’m sorry if I was at times not there for what ever reason. At our old age, we enviably realize what’s more important than anything is family and love (I don’t mean the walk all over you kind of love ;) but the love that is kind. You’ve always been kind to people. You’ve always tried to help people. This world has lost also when we lost you. Love always, your mom.

Thinking about you Richard and thinking about your family. Glad to read that there was some closure it though will never ease the pain that your loved ones endure daily without you. So angry at these men that robbed you of living a full life...May you continue to look down and watch over you beautiful family. RIP

Forever Missing You Bro You’r Always In Our Hearts & Prayers

Happy Birthday in heaven Richard...may you continue the watch over those that you left behind. Thinking about your family today. Rest In Peace...

Your light shines on in the beautiful smiles of your children. Always loved, never forgotten kiddo.. xoxo

Its hard to believe its been 2 years. Auntie Angelique made pins with your picture and when I look at the one with the sun shining in your face I see that sparkle in your eye that shows your zest for life and depth of soul. I love that picture! I wish I could hug you one more time and tell you I'm proud of you for the boy you were, the man, father and husband you became. You will always be loved and missed kiddo. xoxo

Thinking about you and your family today Richard. You are in my thoughts on this anniversary…may the heavens be celebrating all of your talents. RIP

Our heartfelt condolences to the family. We have known Richard as a devoted father of two little girls who come to our center. His exuberance and enthusiasm is what stood out and his willing participation in all events will always be remembered. We will look after your girls Richard.

I am Malia's Aunt, and am deeply saddened at Richard's loss. Gone too soon. He was such a light in Malia's and his girls life. He was always quick to give me help or a big hug. He will be thought of fondly and it is nice to see so many wonderful pictures of him. I am so sorry for all the family and friends touched by his sudden and tragic passing. RIP Richard. You are loved.

I would like to express the best wishes to Rich's family. And Hope he will get peace in the heaven.

I remember playing Pop Warner football with Richard. It's hard to find out an old friend passed away at a young age. My condolences to his entire family and I know he is looking down from heaven on them right now. Miss you brotha and may you R.I.P.

Dear Nancy and family,
I don't know how to express my thoughts to comfort you at this difficult time. I hope the "Letter From Heaven" below will take your sadness away even for a minute.

With My Deepest Sympathy,


=======  Letter From Heaven =========

Hey everybody,
I hope this doesn't reach you too late.
I don't want you to worry,
Because life up here is great.

You know I can see you, right?
So please stop shedding tears.
You guys, I'm perfectly fine,
So conquer all your fears.

Hey guys I know you miss me.
It's really hard not to.
But please, please stop grieving,
Because you're making me sad too.

You guys have been a great family,
And I am truly blessed.
You've raised me through my earthly life,
Now God will do the rest.

Bye you guys, love you forever and a day!

P.S.: Be good. I'll be watching!!!


======= A Family Friend Poems ====================

My deepest condolences to Richard's family. I am still completely shocked by this tragic news. Please let us know how the STHS community can help.

I have known. this couple for many years and my life was forever changed by knowing Richard. his beautiful daughters have his humor and I'm glad to know he will always live on the his amazing children.
 my promise to him is to never leave his family. Malia, love of my life, I am always here.
- jade

I had the privilege to teach both of his daughters in my preschool class. He was such a loving man and the girls always lit up when daddy came to pick him up. My prayers are with Malia and the girls.

"To the family of Richard who suffer the greatness loss, God grants the deepest peace. God's loving arms now embrace the one you loved, in heaven. Praying that those very same arms hold you close to comfort your broken arms. With Deepest sympathy on your loss.

I remember Richard from high school, he was always so funny and easy going. He was a class clown as you would say and really knew how to take you out of a bad mood. I haven't seen them since high school but also growing up to become a wife and mother of 3 my heart is breaking for Malia and their children. There are no words to possibly ease her pain but I pray she finds the strength to get through this and one day find peace in her heart. I know I would have so many questions, so much regret for things that cannot be changed and search for a reason. Nothing could ever fill the hole her awesome husband will be leaving behind but I hope his memory and love sticks by her through it all. My deepest deepest thoughts and condolences go out to her and the family and I pray they find the person responsible and bring justice to her and the family. I'm so so sorry Richard, you did not deserve this early & sudden departure! May you rest in peace and find comfort in watching your family grow from the heavens until you meet again!

My condolencesto his wife and family.. Richard was one of my best friends .we played football and even had the chance to go to florida and play together along with recent fun. I had just seen him not long ago and got his info. To send him an ivite to my wedding. I am so sad but he'll be forever missed. He was always a big hearted and kind guy. R.I.Paradise brotha ill never forget you ill win my first semi_pro game in your honor and name..

Grandpa to Richard....I feel Richard has left me wonderful memories of an intelligent, thoughtful individual who was always generous to grandma and myself. We spent many wonderful days either being somewhere or just being here at our home. I am so sorry for his family and I am praying for everyone who is involved. Richard is with God now but his images will be with me the rest of my life. He loved our family.....

To Nancy and family,

Words cannot express the pain we all feel. My condolences to you and all your family
.
Rita Hebert

We have you and your beautiful family in our thoughts and in our prayers. We are greatly saddened by this tragic loss.

You will never be forgotten. All of your family are in our prayers. John and Laura Harris

Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the loss of your loved one. Hope you and your family will pass through this difficult time soon.

My condolences go out to the family.

Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.

LouLou & the boys

Extending deepest sympathy for you in your loss...

Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the loss of your loved ones.

Our thoughts are with you and your family at this time of pain. Please know our loving thoughts embrace you during this passage. With heartfelt condolences!

We want to express our sincere condolences and let you know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. With deepest sympathy, Jason & Cindy

Those we love don't go away, they walk beside us everyday. May memories of the fun you shared bring you gentle comfort. Im so sorry for your loss, my deepest condolences to you and your family. May God bless you with the strength to get through this terrible time.. you are in my prayers <3

Thank you Richard for always doing your best. It was always a great day when we worked together. I already miss your smile and your happy self. I will always remember you.
Lori

Richard was one of the coolest people I'll ever know. Always treated me like a younger brother. A few months ago I ran into him and he gave me a fat hug and made me promise to hang out soon. You never know how much time you have left. You Never will be Forgotten

My condolences go out to the Watkins family! I'm so sorry for your loss Malia I love you and I'm here if you need anything. Richard was an amazing father and spoiled his girls! I'm still in shock, it feels unreal. I pray that you guys get justice. #riprichardwatkins

My heart is heavy, but I pray for his family, wife and children, he will always be in your hearts. My deepest sympathy to you guys from a childHood friend.

This is very unfortunate, My deepest condolence, wishing loads of strength and success to the family. God will look after for sure....

God has an extra pair of hands in heaven with him now. My deepest condolences to the Watkins family.