ForeverMissed
Large image
Jon Raymond Richardson passed away on April 8, 2021 in Tualatin, Oregon.Jon was born September 1, 1941 in St. Louis, Missouri and is survived by his wife of 56 years, Makiko “Micki” Richardson, his son, Kelly (wife Robin), daughter Dolores (husband Derek) nine grandchildren: Hannah (husband Ben), Joel, Ryan, Christa, Elyse, Claire, Rachel and Rebecca, and the recent addition of his first great-grandchild, Ethan. He is also survived by his sister, Kathy (husband Mike), brother Wally (wife Brenda), sister Susan, and sister-in-law Heidi.

Jon had a long career serving in the United States Navy, enlisting when he was only 17 years old.He served a total of 23 years as a Radioman, retiring in 1982 as a Master Chief Petty Officer.

After his career in the Navy, Jon continued to serve our country as a civil servant, helping sailors pursue their education through programs geared toward active duty military members.While Jon may have left the military, his heart was always led to serve his country and his fellow sailors.He loved this work and his colleagues so much that he waited to retire until just a couple of years ago at the age of 77.

But to have known Jon is to have known a fun-hearted, always laughing, find the funny in any situation kind of a guy.He also had many nicknames (Ray, Ray J, JR, Jack, Jackson, Rich, and of course Master Chief). If Jon was around, there was sure to be laughter.Not a day (or really a moment) would go by without some sort of sarcasm or funny joke… even when it might not be appropriate and said louder than anticipated in mixed company…

And he was the best grandpa. Nowhere else will you be able to find such a loving, patient, wise, and goofy Grandpa. He was the grandpa that rode ALL the rides at Disneyland, who challenged his grandkids in games (instead of letting them win), who gave really hard bear hugs, and who showed them that at the end of the day, how much you laugh and love is really all that matters. He cared so much for all of his grandchildren and was so proud of each and every one of them.

He was also an amazing Dad.He showed us kids how to work hard and be kind, because all the success in the world means nothing if you’re not kind and compassionate.And of course, he taught us how to laugh and love each other unconditionally, no matter what.

But most importantly, Jon was a wonderful, committed and attentive husband. The love between Jon and Micki rivals no others.Jon was a true gentleman and throughout all 56 years showed his love to his bride every day.One of the ways he showed his love that he was most proud of was his routine of bringing coffee to Micki in bed every morning.He did this without fail for 56 years.In fact, this was the very last thing he did before he left us.

The world has lost a great man, but the legacy will continue for generations.
September 10, 2023
September 10, 2023
Jon, you were always a great resource of knowledge for me and such a great guy! You’ll always be missed.
September 4, 2023
September 4, 2023
Jon, you are not forgotten my friend... Say a prayer for me... Ernie D.
April 9, 2023
April 9, 2023
Hey Jon!!!! Say hi to Jesus and my dad for me. Dad was a WW II Sailor! Semper Fidelis!

Ernie D’Antonio, Lt Col USMC (ret)
March 19, 2022
March 19, 2022
To my brother taken to soon. I miss you and love you.

Love wally
September 4, 2021
September 4, 2021
Belated Happy Birthday Jon! You are missed and not forgotten... Semper Fidelis, Ernie D'Antonio
April 29, 2021
April 29, 2021
So very sorry to hear of Jon’s passing. He was my colleague and friend. He had a great sense of humor and really loved his country and family.  I feel blessed to have known him and look forward to seeing him again. Rest In peace and in glory.
April 20, 2021
April 20, 2021
So many things to say but its like any words wont give it justice. Jon was a very cool guy who made me laugh all the time. Even after he retired he would still help me out. Jon will be missed :(
April 15, 2021
April 15, 2021
Micki and Family, I am so sorry to have learned of Jon's passing. He truly was a wonderful, compassionate, and distinguished man. I had the pleasure of working with Jon since 2013 when I took the position as Director, Navy VOLED. I always relied on Jon's leadership, sage counsel, and unshakable demeanor. We talked often during the years until he retired. I could never understand how, even though he was about 10 years older than me, he always looked 10 years younger than me! I remember a few years ago in Poway when Jon and you hosted me for an amazing lasagna dinner in your home. I remember our time together with joy.  Jon is truly an unsung hero, a role model for all to follow, and the epitome of a Naval Warrior, of a Government Civilian and the epitome of what a Man should strive to be. Jon's positively impacted, literally, tens of thousands of Sailors and their families over the years. I am so very sorry he is gone from this world, but I know he is in heaven with God!  Marianne (my wife) are having a set of 30 Gregorian Masses said for Jon. The Franciscan Missionaries from the Seraphic Mass Association will say the masses beginning on 19 April. Also, on behalf of all of the Navy Voluntary Education Team, please accept our deepest sympathies. Jon leaves a legacy of courage, dedication, compassion, and leadership for all of us to follow... Semper Fidelis and fair winds and following seas my friend... Be gentile with the Marines in Heaven! With the deepest appreciation and respect, Ernie D'Antonio, Lieutenant Colonel, USMC (ret); Director, Navy Voluntary Education
April 15, 2021
April 15, 2021
My friend, my brother forever! There is no way you should have gone before me. But, God calls his children when he wants them. You will remain in my heart and mind still I see you again. Make sure that my house is on your street up there. Love and find wishes in your new journey.

To your family: He is not gone, he is waiting for you at God’s new deployment station...love always, Sharon dial
April 14, 2021
April 14, 2021
I only had the pleasure of meeting my uncle twice but both times he and my aunt were the nicest, most gracious hosts you could ask for. When he came to visit my father he brought what seemed to me a whole case of Clive Cussler adventure novels to read just because he heard I enjoyed reading! I regret that I didn't know him better and never got to go to that Padres game we spoke about. Rest In Peace uncle Ray.
April 14, 2021
April 14, 2021
I knew Jon from my days at the Navy College Office in San Diego. I fondly remember his sudden smile, quick laughter and fast walking gait. He could really move! I also found out that he wasn’t very fond of vegetables. Yet, what I remember most was his sense of fairness. I recall one time when he defended me. I don’t recall the details, but I do remember the overpowering feeling of trust. We’ll miss the man. My deepest condolences to his family. 
April 14, 2021
April 14, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed working with Jon at the Navy College Program in San Diego. He was a highly competent manager who genuinely cared about the Sailors we served and the Navy College specialists and technicians who served those Sailors. He even took the time to come to our office and sit and talk with our contractors about the projects they were working on and would always ask about their ideas on how we could best serve our students. He did not have to do it, but that was the kind of guy Jon was – thoroughly professional, strict but kind, and caring. My heart goes out to his family. You can take some comfort knowing he made a difference in the lives of so many, especially our Sailors whom he put on the path to college and better lives through education.
April 13, 2021
April 13, 2021
I was very fortunate to be able to serve with Jon when I was Commanding Officer of the Naval Education and Training Professional Development Center (NETPDC) in Pensacola, FL from March 2017 to October 2019. My fondest memory was traveling with Jon on my first international trip to visit our Navy College Offices in Yokosuka, Atsugi, Misawa, and Sasebo Japan and in Guam and Pearl Harbor, HI from August 12th through 26th 2017. During the nearly two-week trip we were on the road together, we kept busy with official business, but we also had a lot of laughs and ate a lot of ice cream with David Robinson who was also with us through most of the trip. Jon was a great travel buddy, and I will always cherish that trip with him and the great memories we made. On my last official trip to San Diego in November 2018, Jon invited to his home for a great dinner with Micki. To Micki and Jon’s children and grandchildren, please know he was a good man and well respected by his colleagues for his many years of service to the Navy and his love of helping Sailors earn a college education. Jon will be missed and my deepest condolences are extended to the entire Richardson family. Captain Kertreck Brooks, U.S. Navy
April 13, 2021
April 13, 2021
When I first met Jon I was impressed by how quickly he made me feel like family. He was always so sweet and kind. He had a radiant smile that would light up a room. I am so grateful to have met him and he will be forever missed.
April 13, 2021
April 13, 2021
A wonderful person to have as both a boss and as a friend. Never one to mince words, Jon was a "Straight and To The Point" kind of guy. I really enjoyed working for him with the Navy College Program.  He will be missed.  My sincerest condolences go out to his family. Rest Your Oars Shipmate!!!!
April 13, 2021
April 13, 2021
I met Jon and Micki about five years ago and was impressed with the compassion shown to all his loved ones. He was unfailingly kind and welcoming to our family.

Very grateful to have known him and wish comfort to his wife Micki, their children and spouses, greats and grands. A life well spent.

Leave a Tribute

Light a Candle
Lay a Flower
Leave a Note
 
Recent Tributes
September 10, 2023
September 10, 2023
Jon, you were always a great resource of knowledge for me and such a great guy! You’ll always be missed.
September 4, 2023
September 4, 2023
Jon, you are not forgotten my friend... Say a prayer for me... Ernie D.
April 9, 2023
April 9, 2023
Hey Jon!!!! Say hi to Jesus and my dad for me. Dad was a WW II Sailor! Semper Fidelis!

Ernie D’Antonio, Lt Col USMC (ret)
Recent stories

RIP my friend

April 16, 2021
The Richardson family was one of two close families growing up in San Diego.  Dee was apparently my first girlfriend (when I drove a green machine), Kelly one of if not my first best friend and Micki / Ray one of my bonus parents.  Too many Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter and birthdays together to recount.  Always enjoyed my Celtic / Laker, Bird / Magic debates with Ray, even when I had to pay out friendly bets when the Celtics lost. Ray was a great person, a loyal patriot who served his country with distinction, solid as a rock and a lifelong friend I will miss. May you rest in peace Ray. 

Invite others to Jon's website:

Invite by email

Post to your timeline