​Captain George Richards, formerly of Lucknow, dies at the age of 87

Captain Donald “George” Richards of Sparta, New Jersey, formerly of Lucknow, Ontario, died peacefully, Thursday, March 20, 2025, at Bristol Glen, a UMC Community, Newton, New Jersey, at the age of 87.

All his friends and relatives can recall a memorable story or colourful anecdote either by him or about him. His whimsical charm rewarded him with life-long sets of friends from each chapter of his life, whether in Canada or in the United States. From his family, we thank you for remembering him. Godspeed, Captain George.

George grew up on the Richards farm on Route 86. He combined hard work with a zeal for friends, music, and mischief.

He was the goalie for Lucknow’s 1953 Ontario Midget Champion team. His teen years instilled a life-long love of cars, trading up every two years. Gathering with his beloved cousins, aunts and uncles was a life-long hallmark.

George will be sorely missed by all whose lives he touched, the closest being his wife, Joan (Akey); as well as his sister, Jean Anne Murray (Almonte, Ontario); and brother, Dick Richards (Ottawa, Ontario).

He was predeceased by his parents, Clara (MacDonald) (1972) and Orland Richards (1982).

George’s devotion to Lucknow deepened in retirement with August stays at a Lake Huron cottage, visiting with old schoolmates and family in the area and celebrating his Scottish heritage.

He was a prolific reader (non-fiction) and a student of investment. His largest retirement treasures, though, were his granddaughter, Liz Catherine (Delaware); and grandson, Tom (Montreal); plus cheering on his nieces and nephew.

George and Joan made Sparta, New Jersey, their permanent home in 1967 after he was hired by American Airlines in 1966. Sparta served well for his 31-year career, being primarily based out of New York City. He steadily rose in seniority as he flew a range of planes during his career with American, culminating in captaining 767s from JFK to London until 1997. He took great pleasure in the camaraderie of the crew and made life-long friends.

A key part of living in Sparta for George and Joan was building their own house in 1977. George enjoyably partnered with friends on his home, some property management, and an excavating company (of all things).

In retirement, George relished his leisure time: a spacious back porch, his hi-fi system, the daily “New York Times” paper, watching NHL games, and feeding his wood stove. He sociably volunteered 15 years for Meals on Wheels.

In this house, George and Joan finished raising daughter, Dawn (Greg Berghofer) (Toronto); son, Jim (New Jersey), and daughter, Ruth (New York City).

American Airlines had recruited George in 1966. His life had soared to new heights in 1961 when he joined the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). George trained as a pilot and rose to Flight Lieutenant. The RCAF yielded another set of esteemed (and fun) colleagues for life.

In retirement, George was a self-described “sought-after raconteur” who shared stories with his military buddies at the Sparta Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) post No. 7248. In addition, he contributed to the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 309, Lucknow.

Before the RCAF, George had made yet another set of life-long (and fun-loving) friends at the Ontario Agriculture College (OAC). Afterwards, in 1961, he finished at the University of Toronto with an Engineering degree.

At the OAC, he met his bride, Joan. They married in 1961 and spent 64 years together. In retirement, they travelled widely, and many of these were adventures with other American Airlines “Grey Eagles.”

Visitation will be held Thursday, May 22, 2025, from 4-6 p.m. (refreshments served) at Goble Funeral Home, 22 Main Street, Sparta, New Jersey. An Address of Remembrance will be at 6 p.m.

Inurnment will be Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025, at Greenhill Cemetery, Lucknow, Ontario, followed by a social at the home of his cousin, Tom Andrew. Times to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation to the VFW in Sparta, either on-line (link below) or by mail. Appreciated. sparta-vfw-number-7248.square.site/.../sparta.../155 or Sparta VFW Post No. 7248, 66 Main Street, Sparta, New Jersey, U.S.A. 07871.