Edward Jackson Richards

Edward Jackson Richards, known to most as Ted, passed away on the morning of February 16, 2025, in Murrieta, CA. 

Ted was an only child born on March 22, 1936, to Edward and Doris Richards of Timmins, Ontario, Canada, a booming gold mining town at that time. For a period of time between high school and college, Ted worked as a miner in the local mines. His interest in amateur photography documents those early years underground. 

Ted married his high school classmate Helen Samenych in July 1962 while still an undergrad at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario. He graduated in 1963 with a bachelor's degree in civil engineering. 

Ted immediately went to work in the field of commercial real estate construction. His work took him throughout North America in the 60s, 70s and 80s, resulting in his family relocating several times. Notably he worked as project manager for construction of the Canadian Pavilion at the 1967 World's Fair in Montreal. He was especially proud of having worked on the 911 Wilshire Building in Los Angeles, a groundbreaking building at the time. 

His sons Edward Matthew John and John David Jackson were born during the family's stay in Boston, MA. Ted received an MBA from Suffolk University night classes at this time. 

During the family's time in Calgary and Montreal in the 70s, Ted introduced the family to skiing. Memories of these ski trips are treasured by our family to this day. He also purchased a popup trailer, leading to many fun weekend trips exploring the natural beauty of Canada. 

A major career opportunity led Ted to accept a job offer in the Los Angeles area in 1978. The family enjoyed 24 years living in San Marino. During that time Ted single handedly relandscaped their property with fruit trees and (with help) renovated their 1920s era bungalow into a modern dwelling. His membership in the prestigious Jonathan Club was another honor. 

Ted volunteered his time as an adult leader for Troop 355 of the Boy Scouts of America. He led the troop's High Sierra backpacking trips on several occasions. As a nod to his service, Ted was elected to the exclusive Order of the Arrow for the San Gabriel Valley BSA council. Ted and Helen were proud to see both sons Edward and John achieve the rank of Eagle Scout. 

In the 1990s Ted obtained his residential real estate broker license and worked throughout the San Gabriel Valley. 

Ted and Helen relocated to Murrieta in 2002, being among the first residents of the new Four Seasons active senior community. Ted worked hard to turn their new house into a personal and livable home. He served on the Four Seasons Board of Directors as CFO in its early years. From the time he moved into Four Seasons until he witnessed the latest pine tree removals, Ted was very concerned with HOA affairs. 

During his time in Murrieta, Ted planted and cared for his beloved citrus trees and agave plants. He doted on his cats Jaycee and Magellan and dogs Lucy and Lucky. He enjoyed wine tastings, eating out with friends and hosting parties and gatherings in his home. 

Ted became a naturalized American citizen in 2006. As an immigrant, he embraced his adopted country and cared deeply about U.S. national political issues. As strong as his convictions might have been, Ted felt it was essential to leave political differences aside and care about everyone in Four Seasons as a person and neighbor first. 

Ted is survived by his wife of 62 years, Helen, and sons Edward Matthew John and John David Jackson. We welcome your personal thoughts and remembrances of him.