Earl Andrew Richards March 29, 1932 - December 25, 2010

Earl died peacefully at home on Christmas Day. Earl was born March 29, 1932 in Sterling, Colorado to Simon and Nellie Richards. He grew up in Hood River and graduated from Hood River High School in 1950. He attended NW Christian College, served in the Marines during the Korean War, was a police officer for 15 years and worked for the GM warehouse in Beaverton for 20 years.

Earl and Mary built their retirement home in 1989 in Sisters. In 1993, Earl organized the Central Oregon Songwriters Association and enjoyed performing in community plays and skits. He was a hospice volunteer for more than 12 years and received both the Hospice Volunteer of the Year award and the Heart and Soul award. Earl worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant until he was physically unable to continue.

His parents and a sister preceded Earl in death. His wife, Mary, and his six children survive him: Jim Woods of Hood River; Doug Woods of Gaston; Melissa Warren of Carson, Washington; Paul Woods of Portland; Jack Richards of Mill City; and Mary J. O'Dell of Lakeside. Earl has eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Earl's Celebration of Life will be held January 22, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. at the Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration, 68812 Trinity Way, Sisters.

In lieu of flowers, please remember Earl by sending donations to Hospice of Redmond-Sisters located at 732 S.W. 23rd, Redmond, OR 97756 or Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration at P.O. Box 130, Sisters, OR 97759.