Donald 'Don' Richardson, 90, Minot, died peacefully Thursday, 18, 2021 at Benedict Living Center in Garrison, ND.

Donald D. Richardson was born August 24, 1930 in Lansford, ND, one of sixteen children to Ralph and Lena Richardson.  He spent his youth in Lansford and graduated from Lansford High School in 1947 where the entire basketball team consisted of all nine Richardson brothers.  He furthered his education at Minot State College, completing his bachelor's degree in 1951.

Don was united in marriage to Lansford farm girl, Marie McLean, on September 4, 1949 at the Lansford Methodist Church.  Their union was blessed with a daughter, Donna and a son, Dean and over 71 wonderful years of marriage.

They followed Don's first job in education to Stanley, ND where Don taught history, coached basketball and served as Principal of the high school for seven years. The next five years were spent between the towns of Cando and Drake, ND teaching and coaching.  In 1963, they moved to Minot where Don taught at the new Jim Hill Junior High School.  Don kept busy in the summers working as a surveyor for the local ASCS during his teaching years. He retired from teaching in 1970.

Don and Marie leased the Phillip 66 Station on college corner in Minot for several years until Don accepted a job with the ND State Highway Department in Minot. He retired as shop foreman after sixteen years of service.

Don was a member Vincent United Methodist Church in Minot. They enjoyed many North Dakota summers camping in their motorhome and fishing at Lake Sakakawea with friends.  Campfires, conversations, telling stories and jokes and having one of Don's famous margaritas are treasured memories.

Don and Marie were avid basketball fans and attended most Minot High School and State College games and rarely missed watching professional NBA games on TV.  They also supported the local high school team in Mesa, AZ while wintering there the last 22 years.  Players enjoyed their attendance and Don's helpful coaching tips, even running up a set of bleachers during half-time to hand Don a team T-shirt; giving Don and Marie Free tickets to the special game they were going to play at the college and inviting both of them to their year-end awards ceremony to show their appreciation.

Daily golf games with friends, games of bridge and shuffleboard completed warm, sunny afternoons in Arizona.  Don will be missed for his kindness and helpful ways he showed everyone in his life.

Don is survived by his devoted wife of 71 years, Marie, of Minot; children Donna Hess, Naples, FL and Vail, CO in the summers and Dean Richardson (wife Ellen) Santa Fe, NM; step grandson Beau Dickson, TX; brothers Robert Richardson, Beloit, WI and Floyd Richardson, Mandan, ND along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Don was preceded in death by his parents and 13 siblings.

A private, by invitation only due to Covid, Celebration of Don's life will be held.
Book signing :  Family and friends are invited to sign a memorial register book on Tuesday, February 23, 2021 from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home located at 304 Main Street, Minot.
Interment: Lansford Community Cemetery, Lansford, ND in the Summer of 2021.
Memorials are preferred to Vincent United Methodist Church, Minot.

Don Richardson Flowers