Raymond Richardson

Raymond E. Richardson, age 74, currently of Elizabeth, Colorado (originally of Platteville, Wisconsin) lost his fight against multiple myeloma on Monday, August 5, 2024 in Denver, Colorado surrounded by his family.

Ray was born on October 27, 1949, in Lancaster, Wisconsin, the son of Edward O. Richardson and Lois M. (Hocking) Richardson. He grew up in Platteville, Wisconsin, along with his sister and two brothers.  He graduated from Platteville High School in 1967 and from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville with a degree in Mining Engineering in 1971.

Ray married the love of his life, Carol (Rouse) Richardson, in July 1972 and they moved West as Ray began his career in mining. His career took his family to many places including assignments throughout Illinois, Colorado, and Wyoming. During his careers, he worked for Consolidation Coal, Morrison-Knudsen, Monterey Coal, Cyprus Coal, and OCI Wyoming. He then worked for many years as a mining engineering consultant, for Stagg Resource Consultants, and managing his own business as Richardson Consulting, with projects across the U.S., Canada, and China.  He loved being a part of the mining community.  He was dedicated to his profession, frequently attended mining conferences to stay current, was well-respected in the field, and developed many deep friendships with those he worked with over the years. He received a 50-year Member Award from the Society of Mining Engineering, which was a source of pride.

Ray loved golfing and skiing.  He had many friends that met up with him to pursue these passions and fun times were had. He also appreciated classic cars and enjoyed watching car races.  He was a “Do-It-Yourselfer” and enjoyed working on home projects – building decks and remodeling work, among other projects.  He was open to adventures including fishing, snowmobiling, and road trips across Colorado & Wyoming to experience the great outdoors. He loved music. Music was a necessity for road trips and his way of bringing people together.

He supported his kids, Renee and Kyle, and grandson, Gavin throughout all their endeavors.  He loved spending time with family.  The many occasions of gathering around to play Euchre, Pinochle, or various board games will be treasured.

He is survived by his wife, Carol, of Elizabeth, Colorado; his two children, Renee (Greg) Snyder of Golden, Colorado; Kyle Richardson of Highlands Ranch, Colorado; his grandson, Gavin Snyder; his sister, Julie (Yaser) Richardson-Haleem of Rothchild, Wisconsin; and two brothers, Dwayne Richardson of Palmerston North, New Zealand; and Kevin (Rhonda) Richardson of Duncombe, Iowa; as well as three nieces (Ashley, Kayla, and Nora) and two nephews (Alex and Lucas). He was preceded in death by his parents.

Services will be held on Monday, August 26th at the Melby Funeral Home in Platteville, Wisconsin.  Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. and the service will be held at 11 a.m. with a lunch to follow.  Private family burial will be at a later date at Greenwood Cemetery.  Online condolences can be made at www.melbyfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Ray's name to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society at www.givenow.lls.org or consider giving life by giving your time to donate blood at a local blood bank in Ray's memory.