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Doyle Richardson
September 1, 1944 - May 4, 2023
Gold River, California - Doyle passed on to eternal life May 4, 2023. He was an exceptionally loving husband, devoted father, doting grandfather, loyal son and brother, fun loving brother-in-law and uncle, steadfast friend, and dedicated teacher. Doyle was one of the lucky ones. He was born and raised in Sacramento. As a youngster, Doyle rode his bike through his Elmhurst and Arden Park neighborhoods, exploring the rivers and the foothills, camping in the Sierra, learning kindness and self-sufficiency from his parents, Marvin and Fern, and his older brother Dennis.
A proud graduate of El Camino High School, Doyle earned degrees from American River College, Sacramento State, and University of Northern Colorado. To help pay for college, he worked as a fireman on the Southern Pacific Railroad. Doyle was a US Fulbright Program Exchange Teacher in Scotland and a Colonial Williamsburg Teacher Institute fellow. He loved science and US history, using his talents to inspire the same passion in his fifth-grade scholars at Madison and Frontier Elementary schools. Doyle was a teacher for 35 years and honored as Teacher of the Year.
Doyle created exquisite gardens wherever he lived. He nurtured his bonsai trees for over 50 years. He mastered the art of sailing, fly fishing, fine woodworking, backpacking, weaving, photography and computer technology. He was a lifelong learner and encouraged all to remain curious.
His life changed one August when he encountered a San Franciscan feminist at a dinner party. It was the beginning of a joyful love affair with Maureen. During their 46 1/2 years of marriage, Doyle and Maureen embraced life, adventure, and cultural exchanges, exploring the world together. They shared their passion for history, travel, and the arts with their daughter Laurel, son-in-law Ryan and granddaughter June. As a father, Doyle gave unconditional support, staying up late as Laurel studied for exams and providing a listening ear over a cup of Earl Grey tea. He taught her the intricacies of fine woodworking and gardening. As a devoted grandfather, he delighted in June's love of nature and vivacious curiosity, calling her his "little caution." He was thrilled when June planted and nurtured her first crop of little tomatoes and snap peas. He truly was one of the best.
At Doyle's request, there will be no formal service. A celebration of his life will be held in the fall. Doyle strongly believed in protecting the environment and the underserved. Any donations to his favorite charities would be appreciated: Doctors Without Borders, St. Ignatius Loyola Parish Sacramento, Sierra Club and the ACLU. Please, no flowers.
Godspeed, Doyle. We love you.
Your gifts will make a room for you.
Proverbs 18:16
Published by The Sacramento Bee on May 21, 2023.
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Richard Davis
I remember this guy. We ran around together at Mariemont and EC with Rich Thomas, Lance Thompson etc. We met up again at Madison School where my son Jason was in his 5th grade class. He was the same old Doyle and I was a mess. He took the kids on a field trip to the Empire Mine (Grass Valley) and Jason pestered me to take him the next weekend because he was sick and missed it. That's how good his class was. We connected again at the 50 year reunion (same old Doyle) where he and Maureen sat at our table. She was with State Parks and there was a scandal so of course I had to bring it up. My only regret is that he isn't here to read this.