In Memory

Michael Richardson

John Michael 'Mike' Richardson

  • John Michael 'Mike' Richardson

Richardson, John Michael "Mike" Age 76, of Golden Valley, died on June 3, 2021. Mike is survived by his wife, Kate, his son, Teddy (Alexandra), and two grandchildren, Will and Eliza, as well as his sister, Nancy Richardson. Born in Brooklyn, New York, Mike grew up in Minneapolis and graduated from Southwest High School. Mike then served three years in the U.S. Army as a Persian linguist attached to the National Security Agency. After graduating from the University of Minnesota and subsequently Drake University Law School, he worked as an attorney in the Legal Department of IDS. Mike joined the Hennepin County Attorney's Office as an Assistant County Attorney in 1975. He moved to the Criminal Appeals Section in 1982, where he stayed until his retirement in 2018. He had many interests -- windsurfing, fishing, an active gym routine and anything by Bob Dylan are just a few. He was most at peace while listening to his comprehensive jazz and blues collection or when immersed in a well-written crime novel. A quick-witted storyteller when the opportunity presented itself, Mike also treasured spending time with family and friends. Known as Mike, Dad or Papa, he was loved and will be greatly missed. A memorial service will be held at 10 am on Tuesday, June 22, at the Chapel of the Holy Spirit at Breck School, 123 Ottawa Ave. N., Golden Valley, MN 55422. Memorial donations may be made to: (1) The Conservation Fund conservationfund.org or (2) Fisher House Foundation (provides homes where military & veteran families can stay free of charge while a loved one is in the hospital) fisherhouse.orgWashburn-McReavy.com Edina Chapel 952-920-3996

Published on June 13, 2021



 
go to bottom 
  Post Comment

06/16/21 07:17 AM #1    

William Neiman

Mike was my colleague at the Hennepin County Attorney's Office for nearly 40 years.   A very talented lawyer, a very fine person, and an entirely delightful personality.   He is much missed.  


06/17/21 10:21 AM #2    

Andrew Quirt

The last time I saw Mike, I was with a band working a club on Lake Street, back in the day.  We shared a beer, and some catching up.  A nice guy, sorry I lost track of him, and so happy to see his successes. 


06/18/21 05:56 PM #3    

Daniel Spiegel

I first met Mike in 5th grade as I transferred from Willard Elementary to Lake Harriett

in South Minneapolis. It was not easy "breaking in" to the established grade school relationships

since most of those began even before grade school. Mike welcomed me as a friend and classmate

immediately. I have many fond memories of spending time wtih Mike at his home and elsewhere. He

had a wonderful family. Spring and summer brought sailing time at the lake and Mike made me one of

his crew. He was an expert

sailor. He even honored me by alllowing me to work on the boat to get it

ready for summer sailing. Unfortunately, we lost contact when we went on different palths after high

school graduation. We will not see the likes of Mike again on lifes journey. A very fine man indeed.

Daniel Spiegel


go to top 
  Post Comment