William "Bill" Richards

Bill Richards (William Nelson) of Hamilton, Mt., deeply loved by family and friends, departed this earth for his heavenly reward on May 15, 2014. Born January 20, 1943 in Philadelphia, Pa. to his parents Helen (Porter) and Nelson Francis Richards (both deceased), he displayed early talents when disassembling every toy he was ever given, leading to a career as a business owner and master mechanic. Over the years he expressed his love for automobiles not only in his field of work but in racing and doing inspections at Cajon speedway, slalom racing, restoration and building of street rods and in later years rat rods.

He graduated from Cortland, Ohio High School in 1960 and from the GM Training Center in Monroeville, Pa. In 1961, He moved with family to Los Angeles, Ca. where he went to work for Los Angles Power and Light as a lineman and later managed a gas station in Lakeside, Ca. Following the fuel crisis in 1975, when the company closed the station, he opened Richards Automotive and served the San Diego area till he moved to the Bitterroot Valley in Montana. In 1992, he established Richards Automotive in Darby later relocating to Hamilton.

Perusing his passion, he was one of the founders and for 11years acting President of The Bitterrodders Car Club, formally known as the No Name Car Club. With his knowledge and appreciation of cars he made many dear friends as he assisted (and was assisted by them) building car projects. Bill loved nothing better than coming up with an original idea and turning it into a reality. His many dear friends in the car club encouraged him along the way and took turns with workshop Fridays helping each other build their dream cars.

Bill married his wife Linda in May of 2012. Married only a few short years, they found their soul mate in each other as they traveled, attended car shows, entertained, and enjoyed daily life. They made many lasting and joyful memories together and experienced the hurdles in life hand in hand. Both were very blessed.

He is survived by his wife, Linda Cooper Richards and seven children, Teresa Jordan of Cannon City, CO, Michael Walker of Tigard, OR, Jerod Cooper of Lakeside, CA, Scott Richards of Huntington Beach, CA, Kenny Richards of Lafayette, IN, Alex Richards of Asheville, NC, Lachelle Cooper Vander of San Diego, CA and their spouses. Bill also has four surviving siblings and their spouses, Richard and Patti of Knoxville, TN, Jim and Sandi of Bolivar, MO, Shandra and Ron Toler and Randy and Cindy Richards of Asheville, NC. He will be missed by his 7 nieces and nephews and 8 grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Camp Make A Dream, P.O. Box 1450 Missoula, MT 59806.