Writer, Volunteer Gerry Richardson Dies at 63

Story by Friends of Gerry Richardson

On Friday, October 22, the world lost a truly remarkable, wonderful soul named Gerald Richardson. Known to online communities as "Stumpy," Gerry was a man who knew no enemies. Friends describe him as generous, straightforward, inspiring, tireless and a true intellectual possessed of a driving spirit and a good, firm, honest handshake.

Raised in the Chicago area, Gerry attended Thornton High School. He joined the U.S. Air Force in the 1960s. Stationed in Okinawa, he became fluent in Chinese and worked as a translator and code breaker. After receiving honorable and meritorious commendations from the Air Force, Gerry came to Boone and attended Appalachian State University in the early 1970s. He was a member of the founding staff of the Mountain Times, working as a writer and copy editor. As a political reporter, Gerry was known for his fair, even-handed reporting and astute, in-depth analysis.

When multiple sclerosis began to inhibit Gerry's physical mobility, he refused to slow down. He became active in the Watauga County Democratic Party, attending executive committee meetings, encouraging others to meet their own challenges, and passing along ideas that inspired friends to stride proudly toward their goals. In spite of the physical challenges he faced, Gerry volunteered his time at the Hospitality House, helping others and refusing to allow his condition to rule his life. He rode on the Democratic Party float in the July 4 parade every year, sharing his engaging smile with thousands. No matter what Gerry's situation was, he always found his smile. He always found the time and energy to make someone else's life better.

When Gerry wasn't out in the community helping others, he was at his computer. He was tech-savvy and hard-wired to the internet, participating in all kinds of online communities, from Watauga Watch to DailyKOS to Facebook to World of Warcraft. Yes, he was even a video gamer. If only our young gaming friends knew that they were playing with a guy in his 60s!

Gerry did not have much, but he always wanted to share. If he made a small chicken dish, or even a T.V. dinner, and a friend showed up at his apartment, he would always try to give some of his meal to his visitor. He tended his flower garden with a reverence to his plants, carefully and meticulously harvesting their seeds and proudly distributing them to his friends. What most of us take for granted, Gerry viewed as a perfect, beautiful act of nature. To him, all life was truly sacred.

Gerry had no biological family alive at the time of his passing, so it is up to us, his friends and community, to keep his memory alive.

Gerry, you didn't want personal recognition, you didn't want accolades. You just wanted to help improve the lives of those you touched, and your life was a great success. If all of us tried to be a just a little more like you, this world would be a better place.

We will always remember you. Rest well, brother.

Gerald Richardson... April 16, 1947 - October 22, 2010

(Obituary from the Oct 28, 2010 issue of the High Country Press)

Writer, Volunteer Gerry Richardson Dies at 63

Story by Friends of Gerry Richardson

On Friday, October 22, the world lost a truly remarkable, wonderful soul named Gerald Richardson. Known to online communities as "Stumpy," Gerry was a man who knew no enemies. Friends describe him as generous, straightforward, inspiring, tireless and a true intellectual possessed of a driving spirit and a good, firm, honest handshake.

Raised in the Chicago area, Gerry attended Thornton High School. He joined the U.S. Air Force in the 1960s. Stationed in Okinawa, he became fluent in Chinese and worked as a translator and code breaker. After receiving honorable and meritorious commendations from the Air Force, Gerry came to Boone and attended Appalachian State University in the early 1970s. He was a member of the founding staff of the Mountain Times, working as a writer and copy editor. As a political reporter, Gerry was known for his fair, even-handed reporting and astute, in-depth analysis.

When multiple sclerosis began to inhibit Gerry's physical mobility, he refused to slow down. He became active in the Watauga County Democratic Party, attending executive committee meetings, encouraging others to meet their own challenges, and passing along ideas that inspired friends to stride proudly toward their goals. In spite of the physical challenges he faced, Gerry volunteered his time at the Hospitality House, helping others and refusing to allow his condition to rule his life. He rode on the Democratic Party float in the July 4 parade every year, sharing his engaging smile with thousands. No matter what Gerry's situation was, he always found his smile. He always found the time and energy to make someone else's life better.

When Gerry wasn't out in the community helping others, he was at his computer. He was tech-savvy and hard-wired to the internet, participating in all kinds of online communities, from Watauga Watch to DailyKOS to Facebook to World of Warcraft. Yes, he was even a video gamer. If only our young gaming friends knew that they were playing with a guy in his 60s!

Gerry did not have much, but he always wanted to share. If he made a small chicken dish, or even a T.V. dinner, and a friend showed up at his apartment, he would always try to give some of his meal to his visitor. He tended his flower garden with a reverence to his plants, carefully and meticulously harvesting their seeds and proudly distributing them to his friends. What most of us take for granted, Gerry viewed as a perfect, beautiful act of nature. To him, all life was truly sacred.

Gerry had no biological family alive at the time of his passing, so it is up to us, his friends and community, to keep his memory alive.

Gerry, you didn't want personal recognition, you didn't want accolades. You just wanted to help improve the lives of those you touched, and your life was a great success. If all of us tried to be a just a little more like you, this world would be a better place.

We will always remember you. Rest well, brother.

Gerald Richardson... April 16, 1947 - October 22, 2010

(Obituary from the Oct 28, 2010 issue of the High Country Press)