Donald Lewis Richards, 83, peacefully passed away on July 4, 2021 at his home in New Port Richey, Florida surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with cancer.
Known to most simply as "Coach," he was born December 14, 1937 in Portland, Maine. He grew up in South Portland, Maine where he proudly attained the rank of Eagle Scout in 1953. As he would say it, he "barely graduated from South Portland High School" in 1956.
Ironically, he obtained his Bachelor of Science in education from Gorham State Teachers College in 1961. There, he met the love of his life, Irma Gilman Richards, who was instrumental in honing his study skills and turning him into a stellar student.
They were married on June 10, 1961, five days after their college graduation. He later went on to obtain his Master of Arts in Teaching degree in 1966 from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Coach considered himself forever a Tar Heel Sports Fan. Go Heels!
Don began his teaching career in Cape Elizabeth, Maine and taught high school mathematics there for 30 years. Knowing nothing about the sport of swimming, he was asked in 1961 to take on the job of swim coach at Cape Elizabeth.
This was the start of his famed coaching career, and he had no idea just how far his natural talent would take him. During his time as the Cape swimming and diving coach, he led the Capers to a 727-86-3 record including 20 Southwestern Maine Championship titles and 11 Maine State Championships. From 1968 – 1986, he led the Cape Elizabeth girls swim team to 228 consecutive dual meet victories. He was named Maine State Swimming Coach of the Year eight times. The Town of Cape Elizabeth recognized Coach's contribution to the community and sport by dedicating and renaming the town pool as the Donald Richards Community Pool.
In 1991, Don and Irma relocated to Tampa, Florida where he began teaching and coaching at Tampa Preparatory School. Over the next 10 years at Prep, he continued to build and lead a successful swimming and diving program for the Terrapins. It was there that he finished his high school coaching career with an amazing lifetime record of 903 wins. As if that wasn't enough, he also coached and led the swimming program at Tampa Yacht and Country Club where he continued to coach, lead and shape hundreds more Great Wave swimmers for 28 years. Coach's contribution to competitive swimming in the Tampa Bay area cannot be underestimated, and it will certainly never be forgotten.
In recognition of his excellence as a swim coach, Don was recently inducted into the Maine Sports Hall of Fame. Coach and his family were grateful that he was able to receive both an early induction ceremony and his trophy during his final days, an accomplishment that meant the world to him.
As much as Coach loved swimming, he also loved the sport of golf. He was a member of the Purpoodock Golf Club and served as club president from 1979-1981. Don coached the CEHS golf team for several years and proudly drove them to Southern Maine matches in the stylish comfort of his Mercury Grand Marquis station wagon, a car that he adored. On the golf course, Don was consistent, "Down the Middle Don," and proud of "shooting his age." He played several rounds per week and was always willing to share swing tips, but only if you asked. His golf career was complete with a hole-in-one at Brunswick (Maine) Country Club in 2000, and he was the 2004 Men's Club Champion at Timber Greens Country Club.
As a Timber Greens Community Association member in New Port Richey, Florida, Don was very active on the Association Board of Directors for 11 years, serving as President during his last year. He made many friendships there through his community involvement, rounds of golf, and laughs at the 19th hole.
In addition, Don had a love for fishing. He had a special feeling in his heart while on the water and casting a fly rod. He fished all over – Utah, New Mexico, New York, and Canada to name a few. Some of his fondest spots to cast his fishing rod were in the great North Woods of Maine, especially with his brother, son, and grandsons with whom he shared this special bond. Don was an early adopter of catch-and-release fishing, and to our knowledge, he has not kept a fish since his 1970 Labrador trip.
Coach was incredibly proud of his family and always took care of them before taking care of himself. He made sure that they always had memorable and fulfilling experiences together, including summers at Crescent and Sebago Lakes, road trips to Myrtle Beach, fishing trips, golf outings, trips to Mexico and Florida, and a European cruise on the Rhine River. He was the quintessential planner and made great sacrifices to ensure his family came first.
Don's lasting impact on those he knew is immeasurable. He was far more than teacher, coach, husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle or friend. He believed and encouraged his athletes, students, friends and family to be their best and believe in themselves, even when they didn't. Whether on the pool deck, classroom, golf course, river, lake, or in his home, he created a space for you to feel loved, appreciated, safe and encouraged. He spent his life giving to the communities in which he lived and worked, and they became better places because of him. His ministry in life was his ability to connect with young people and help them see what they couldn't quite see in themselves.
Of course, Coach was never without a good joke or pun. He always shared them at just the right time whether on the golf course, in a canoe, or on the pool deck. With his family by his side in his final hours, Coach carefully delivered his final words in the form of a fishing joke.
We know Coach is now looking down on us from heaven and leading the Lion Hunts, casting lines from the canoe, hitting golf shots down the middle, telling jokes, blowing his whistle, enjoying a Gifford's Maine Black Bear ice cream, playing cribbage, and most importantly, encouraging everyone around him to be their best.
Don is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Irma Gilman Richards, son James Richards and his wife Linda, daughter Julie Pochepan and her husband Jim, brother Dan Richards and his wife Ellen, grandsons Charlie, Andrew and William Pochepan, and Sequoya Richards, nephews Michael and Matthew Richards, and nieces Aimee Schantz, Erica Wise and her husband Scott. Don also leaves behind countless athletes, students, fellow coaches, and friends whom he loved like family.
The family is organizing two Celebrations of Life. The first will be on Saturday, July 10th from 1-3 p.m. at Dobies Funeral Home on Old County Road 54 in New Port Richey, Florida.
The second will be held Friday, July 30th from 10:00 a.m. to noon at the Fort Williams Park Picnic Shelter in Cape Elizabeth, Maine overlooking Portland Head Light, Don's most precious and beloved Maine landmark.
The family will have a private interment service at Riverside Cemetery in Cape Elizabeth.
Known to most simply as "Coach," he was born December 14, 1937 in Portland, Maine. He grew up in South Portland, Maine where he proudly attained the rank of Eagle Scout in 1953. As he would say it, he "barely graduated from South Portland High School" in 1956.
Ironically, he obtained his Bachelor of Science in education from Gorham State Teachers College in 1961. There, he met the love of his life, Irma Gilman Richards, who was instrumental in honing his study skills and turning him into a stellar student.
They were married on June 10, 1961, five days after their college graduation. He later went on to obtain his Master of Arts in Teaching degree in 1966 from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Coach considered himself forever a Tar Heel Sports Fan. Go Heels!
Don began his teaching career in Cape Elizabeth, Maine and taught high school mathematics there for 30 years. Knowing nothing about the sport of swimming, he was asked in 1961 to take on the job of swim coach at Cape Elizabeth.
This was the start of his famed coaching career, and he had no idea just how far his natural talent would take him. During his time as the Cape swimming and diving coach, he led the Capers to a 727-86-3 record including 20 Southwestern Maine Championship titles and 11 Maine State Championships. From 1968 – 1986, he led the Cape Elizabeth girls swim team to 228 consecutive dual meet victories. He was named Maine State Swimming Coach of the Year eight times. The Town of Cape Elizabeth recognized Coach's contribution to the community and sport by dedicating and renaming the town pool as the Donald Richards Community Pool.
In 1991, Don and Irma relocated to Tampa, Florida where he began teaching and coaching at Tampa Preparatory School. Over the next 10 years at Prep, he continued to build and lead a successful swimming and diving program for the Terrapins. It was there that he finished his high school coaching career with an amazing lifetime record of 903 wins. As if that wasn't enough, he also coached and led the swimming program at Tampa Yacht and Country Club where he continued to coach, lead and shape hundreds more Great Wave swimmers for 28 years. Coach's contribution to competitive swimming in the Tampa Bay area cannot be underestimated, and it will certainly never be forgotten.
In recognition of his excellence as a swim coach, Don was recently inducted into the Maine Sports Hall of Fame. Coach and his family were grateful that he was able to receive both an early induction ceremony and his trophy during his final days, an accomplishment that meant the world to him.
As much as Coach loved swimming, he also loved the sport of golf. He was a member of the Purpoodock Golf Club and served as club president from 1979-1981. Don coached the CEHS golf team for several years and proudly drove them to Southern Maine matches in the stylish comfort of his Mercury Grand Marquis station wagon, a car that he adored. On the golf course, Don was consistent, "Down the Middle Don," and proud of "shooting his age." He played several rounds per week and was always willing to share swing tips, but only if you asked. His golf career was complete with a hole-in-one at Brunswick (Maine) Country Club in 2000, and he was the 2004 Men's Club Champion at Timber Greens Country Club.
As a Timber Greens Community Association member in New Port Richey, Florida, Don was very active on the Association Board of Directors for 11 years, serving as President during his last year. He made many friendships there through his community involvement, rounds of golf, and laughs at the 19th hole.
In addition, Don had a love for fishing. He had a special feeling in his heart while on the water and casting a fly rod. He fished all over – Utah, New Mexico, New York, and Canada to name a few. Some of his fondest spots to cast his fishing rod were in the great North Woods of Maine, especially with his brother, son, and grandsons with whom he shared this special bond. Don was an early adopter of catch-and-release fishing, and to our knowledge, he has not kept a fish since his 1970 Labrador trip.
Coach was incredibly proud of his family and always took care of them before taking care of himself. He made sure that they always had memorable and fulfilling experiences together, including summers at Crescent and Sebago Lakes, road trips to Myrtle Beach, fishing trips, golf outings, trips to Mexico and Florida, and a European cruise on the Rhine River. He was the quintessential planner and made great sacrifices to ensure his family came first.
Don's lasting impact on those he knew is immeasurable. He was far more than teacher, coach, husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle or friend. He believed and encouraged his athletes, students, friends and family to be their best and believe in themselves, even when they didn't. Whether on the pool deck, classroom, golf course, river, lake, or in his home, he created a space for you to feel loved, appreciated, safe and encouraged. He spent his life giving to the communities in which he lived and worked, and they became better places because of him. His ministry in life was his ability to connect with young people and help them see what they couldn't quite see in themselves.
Of course, Coach was never without a good joke or pun. He always shared them at just the right time whether on the golf course, in a canoe, or on the pool deck. With his family by his side in his final hours, Coach carefully delivered his final words in the form of a fishing joke.
We know Coach is now looking down on us from heaven and leading the Lion Hunts, casting lines from the canoe, hitting golf shots down the middle, telling jokes, blowing his whistle, enjoying a Gifford's Maine Black Bear ice cream, playing cribbage, and most importantly, encouraging everyone around him to be their best.
Don is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Irma Gilman Richards, son James Richards and his wife Linda, daughter Julie Pochepan and her husband Jim, brother Dan Richards and his wife Ellen, grandsons Charlie, Andrew and William Pochepan, and Sequoya Richards, nephews Michael and Matthew Richards, and nieces Aimee Schantz, Erica Wise and her husband Scott. Don also leaves behind countless athletes, students, fellow coaches, and friends whom he loved like family.
The family is organizing two Celebrations of Life. The first will be on Saturday, July 10th from 1-3 p.m. at Dobies Funeral Home on Old County Road 54 in New Port Richey, Florida.
The second will be held Friday, July 30th from 10:00 a.m. to noon at the Fort Williams Park Picnic Shelter in Cape Elizabeth, Maine overlooking Portland Head Light, Don's most precious and beloved Maine landmark.
The family will have a private interment service at Riverside Cemetery in Cape Elizabeth.
Donald Lewis Richards, 83, peacefully passed away on July 4, 2021 at his home in New Port Richey, Florida surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with cancer.
Known to most simply as "Coach," he was born December 14, 1937 in Portland, Maine. He grew up in South Portland, Maine where he proudly attained the rank of Eagle Scout in 1953. As he would say it, he "barely graduated from South Portland High School" in 1956.
Ironically, he obtained his Bachelor of Science in education from Gorham State Teachers College in 1961. There, he met the love of his life, Irma Gilman Richards, who was instrumental in honing his study skills and turning him into a stellar student.
They were married on June 10, 1961, five days after their college graduation. He later went on to obtain his Master of Arts in Teaching degree in 1966 from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Coach considered himself forever a Tar Heel Sports Fan. Go Heels!
Don began his teaching career in Cape Elizabeth, Maine and taught high school mathematics there for 30 years. Knowing nothing about the sport of swimming, he was asked in 1961 to take on the job of swim coach at Cape Elizabeth.
This was the start of his famed coaching career, and he had no idea just how far his natural talent would take him. During his time as the Cape swimming and diving coach, he led the Capers to a 727-86-3 record including 20 Southwestern Maine Championship titles and 11 Maine State Championships. From 1968 – 1986, he led the Cape Elizabeth girls swim team to 228 consecutive dual meet victories. He was named Maine State Swimming Coach of the Year eight times. The Town of Cape Elizabeth recognized Coach's contribution to the community and sport by dedicating and renaming the town pool as the Donald Richards Community Pool.
In 1991, Don and Irma relocated to Tampa, Florida where he began teaching and coaching at Tampa Preparatory School. Over the next 10 years at Prep, he continued to build and lead a successful swimming and diving program for the Terrapins. It was there that he finished his high school coaching career with an amazing lifetime record of 903 wins. As if that wasn't enough, he also coached and led the swimming program at Tampa Yacht and Country Club where he continued to coach, lead and shape hundreds more Great Wave swimmers for 28 years. Coach's contribution to competitive swimming in the Tampa Bay area cannot be underestimated, and it will certainly never be forgotten.
In recognition of his excellence as a swim coach, Don was recently inducted into the Maine Sports Hall of Fame. Coach and his family were grateful that he was able to receive both an early induction ceremony and his trophy during his final days, an accomplishment that meant the world to him.
As much as Coach loved swimming, he also loved the sport of golf. He was a member of the Purpoodock Golf Club and served as club president from 1979-1981. Don coached the CEHS golf team for several years and proudly drove them to Southern Maine matches in the stylish comfort of his Mercury Grand Marquis station wagon, a car that he adored. On the golf course, Don was consistent, "Down the Middle Don," and proud of "shooting his age." He played several rounds per week and was always willing to share swing tips, but only if you asked. His golf career was complete with a hole-in-one at Brunswick (Maine) Country Club in 2000, and he was the 2004 Men's Club Champion at Timber Greens Country Club.
As a Timber Greens Community Association member in New Port Richey, Florida, Don was very active on the Association Board of Directors for 11 years, serving as President during his last year. He made many friendships there through his community involvement, rounds of golf, and laughs at the 19th hole.
In addition, Don had a love for fishing. He had a special feeling in his heart while on the water and casting a fly rod. He fished all over – Utah, New Mexico, New York, and Canada to name a few. Some of his fondest spots to cast his fishing rod were in the great North Woods of Maine, especially with his brother, son, and grandsons with whom he shared this special bond. Don was an early adopter of catch-and-release fishing, and to our knowledge, he has not kept a fish since his 1970 Labrador trip.
Coach was incredibly proud of his family and always took care of them before taking care of himself. He made sure that they always had memorable and fulfilling experiences together, including summers at Crescent and Sebago Lakes, road trips to Myrtle Beach, fishing trips, golf outings, trips to Mexico and Florida, and a European cruise on the Rhine River. He was the quintessential planner and made great sacrifices to ensure his family came first.
Don's lasting impact on those he knew is immeasurable. He was far more than teacher, coach, husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle or friend. He believed and encouraged his athletes, students, friends and family to be their best and believe in themselves, even when they didn't. Whether on the pool deck, classroom, golf course, river, lake, or in his home, he created a space for you to feel loved, appreciated, safe and encouraged. He spent his life giving to the communities in which he lived and worked, and they became better places because of him. His ministry in life was his ability to connect with young people and help them see what they couldn't quite see in themselves.
Of course, Coach was never without a good joke or pun. He always shared them at just the right time whether on the golf course, in a canoe, or on the pool deck. With his family by his side in his final hours, Coach carefully delivered his final words in the form of a fishing joke.
We know Coach is now looking down on us from heaven and leading the Lion Hunts, casting lines from the canoe, hitting golf shots down the middle, telling jokes, blowing his whistle, enjoying a Gifford's Maine Black Bear ice cream, playing cribbage, and most importantly, encouraging everyone around him to be their best.
Don is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Irma Gilman Richards, son James Richards and his wife Linda, daughter Julie Pochepan and her husband Jim, brother Dan Richards and his wife Ellen, grandsons Charlie, Andrew and William Pochepan, and Sequoya Richards, nephews Michael and Matthew Richards, and nieces Aimee Schantz, Erica Wise and her husband Scott. Don also leaves behind countless athletes, students, fellow coaches, and friends whom he loved like family.
The family is organizing two Celebrations of Life. The first will be on Saturday, July 10th from 1-3 p.m. at Dobies Funeral Home on Old County Road 54 in New Port Richey, Florida.
The second will be held Friday, July 30th from 10:00 a.m. to noon at the Fort Williams Park Picnic Shelter in Cape Elizabeth, Maine overlooking Portland Head Light, Don's most precious and beloved Maine landmark.
The family will have a private interment service at Riverside Cemetery in Cape Elizabeth.
Known to most simply as "Coach," he was born December 14, 1937 in Portland, Maine. He grew up in South Portland, Maine where he proudly attained the rank of Eagle Scout in 1953. As he would say it, he "barely graduated from South Portland High School" in 1956.
Ironically, he obtained his Bachelor of Science in education from Gorham State Teachers College in 1961. There, he met the love of his life, Irma Gilman Richards, who was instrumental in honing his study skills and turning him into a stellar student.
They were married on June 10, 1961, five days after their college graduation. He later went on to obtain his Master of Arts in Teaching degree in 1966 from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Coach considered himself forever a Tar Heel Sports Fan. Go Heels!
Don began his teaching career in Cape Elizabeth, Maine and taught high school mathematics there for 30 years. Knowing nothing about the sport of swimming, he was asked in 1961 to take on the job of swim coach at Cape Elizabeth.
This was the start of his famed coaching career, and he had no idea just how far his natural talent would take him. During his time as the Cape swimming and diving coach, he led the Capers to a 727-86-3 record including 20 Southwestern Maine Championship titles and 11 Maine State Championships. From 1968 – 1986, he led the Cape Elizabeth girls swim team to 228 consecutive dual meet victories. He was named Maine State Swimming Coach of the Year eight times. The Town of Cape Elizabeth recognized Coach's contribution to the community and sport by dedicating and renaming the town pool as the Donald Richards Community Pool.
In 1991, Don and Irma relocated to Tampa, Florida where he began teaching and coaching at Tampa Preparatory School. Over the next 10 years at Prep, he continued to build and lead a successful swimming and diving program for the Terrapins. It was there that he finished his high school coaching career with an amazing lifetime record of 903 wins. As if that wasn't enough, he also coached and led the swimming program at Tampa Yacht and Country Club where he continued to coach, lead and shape hundreds more Great Wave swimmers for 28 years. Coach's contribution to competitive swimming in the Tampa Bay area cannot be underestimated, and it will certainly never be forgotten.
In recognition of his excellence as a swim coach, Don was recently inducted into the Maine Sports Hall of Fame. Coach and his family were grateful that he was able to receive both an early induction ceremony and his trophy during his final days, an accomplishment that meant the world to him.
As much as Coach loved swimming, he also loved the sport of golf. He was a member of the Purpoodock Golf Club and served as club president from 1979-1981. Don coached the CEHS golf team for several years and proudly drove them to Southern Maine matches in the stylish comfort of his Mercury Grand Marquis station wagon, a car that he adored. On the golf course, Don was consistent, "Down the Middle Don," and proud of "shooting his age." He played several rounds per week and was always willing to share swing tips, but only if you asked. His golf career was complete with a hole-in-one at Brunswick (Maine) Country Club in 2000, and he was the 2004 Men's Club Champion at Timber Greens Country Club.
As a Timber Greens Community Association member in New Port Richey, Florida, Don was very active on the Association Board of Directors for 11 years, serving as President during his last year. He made many friendships there through his community involvement, rounds of golf, and laughs at the 19th hole.
In addition, Don had a love for fishing. He had a special feeling in his heart while on the water and casting a fly rod. He fished all over – Utah, New Mexico, New York, and Canada to name a few. Some of his fondest spots to cast his fishing rod were in the great North Woods of Maine, especially with his brother, son, and grandsons with whom he shared this special bond. Don was an early adopter of catch-and-release fishing, and to our knowledge, he has not kept a fish since his 1970 Labrador trip.
Coach was incredibly proud of his family and always took care of them before taking care of himself. He made sure that they always had memorable and fulfilling experiences together, including summers at Crescent and Sebago Lakes, road trips to Myrtle Beach, fishing trips, golf outings, trips to Mexico and Florida, and a European cruise on the Rhine River. He was the quintessential planner and made great sacrifices to ensure his family came first.
Don's lasting impact on those he knew is immeasurable. He was far more than teacher, coach, husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle or friend. He believed and encouraged his athletes, students, friends and family to be their best and believe in themselves, even when they didn't. Whether on the pool deck, classroom, golf course, river, lake, or in his home, he created a space for you to feel loved, appreciated, safe and encouraged. He spent his life giving to the communities in which he lived and worked, and they became better places because of him. His ministry in life was his ability to connect with young people and help them see what they couldn't quite see in themselves.
Of course, Coach was never without a good joke or pun. He always shared them at just the right time whether on the golf course, in a canoe, or on the pool deck. With his family by his side in his final hours, Coach carefully delivered his final words in the form of a fishing joke.
We know Coach is now looking down on us from heaven and leading the Lion Hunts, casting lines from the canoe, hitting golf shots down the middle, telling jokes, blowing his whistle, enjoying a Gifford's Maine Black Bear ice cream, playing cribbage, and most importantly, encouraging everyone around him to be their best.
Don is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Irma Gilman Richards, son James Richards and his wife Linda, daughter Julie Pochepan and her husband Jim, brother Dan Richards and his wife Ellen, grandsons Charlie, Andrew and William Pochepan, and Sequoya Richards, nephews Michael and Matthew Richards, and nieces Aimee Schantz, Erica Wise and her husband Scott. Don also leaves behind countless athletes, students, fellow coaches, and friends whom he loved like family.
The family is organizing two Celebrations of Life. The first will be on Saturday, July 10th from 1-3 p.m. at Dobies Funeral Home on Old County Road 54 in New Port Richey, Florida.
The second will be held Friday, July 30th from 10:00 a.m. to noon at the Fort Williams Park Picnic Shelter in Cape Elizabeth, Maine overlooking Portland Head Light, Don's most precious and beloved Maine landmark.
The family will have a private interment service at Riverside Cemetery in Cape Elizabeth.
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