John Laurence Richardson
October 8, 1941 - April 24, 2024
Funeral Details: A Celebration of Life will be held at the Richardson residence on June 22, 2024 from 1- 4 p.m., please contact the family if you are in need of the address.
John Laurence “J.R.” Richardson, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and respected retired officer of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), passed away on April 24th, 2024 at 82 surrounded by his loving family.
Born in Toronto, John dedicated his life to service, embarking on a distinguished career with the OPP. His commitment to duty led him to remarkable encounters, including meeting Queen Elizabeth during his role in providing protective services for Bill Davis, the Premier of Ontario. He also had the privilege of meeting several Prime Ministers, including Prime Minister John Diefenbaker. John’s legacy in policing extended beyond his own career, with his children, son-in-law, and two grandchildren following in his footsteps as police officers with the OPP.
Beyond his professional achievements, John was a devoted family man. He shared 58 wonderful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Dianne. Together, they cherished traveling in their 5-star RV and enjoyed countless vacations in Myrtle Beach. John had a passion for history, spending his leisure time reading and watching historical documentaries. He was also known for his culinary skills, especially for his family’s favorite strawberry jam.
John will be remembered for his sarcastic humor, quick wit, and kind-hearted nature. He leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion that will be cherished by all who knew him.
John was most proud of his family, and his love for them was immeasurable.
John is survived by his loving wife, Dianne, his children John (Melissa), Kim (Kevin), and Paul (Nicole); his siblings Heather (Paul) and Barbara (Jon); his grandchildren Zachery (Jessica), Jake (Ella), Kirsten (Ethan), Ryan, Scott (Tabitha), Julia (Harley), Quinn (Myah), Lauren, and the late Nolan; and survived by many nieces and nephews.
He was also a beloved brother-in-law to Dianne’s 12 siblings.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the RVH Regional Cancer Program or a donation of one’s choice.
The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the many nurses, PSW's, Dr. Isabel Li, Dr. Stuart Murdoch, and Dr. Michelle Van Walraven for their compassionate care.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Richardson residence on June 22, 2024 from 1- 4 p.m., please contact the family if you are in need of the address. Online memories and condolences may be shared at www.peacefultransition.ca.
Peaceful Transition Simcoe
Jim and Kelly Robertson
Posted on: Thursday, April 25, 2024Sorry to hear this sad news Paul and Nicole. Our condolences to your entire family.💔
Robin Nymeyer
Posted on: Thursday, April 25, 2024So sorry for your loss.
Robin Nymeyer #8372
Robert Lindsell
Posted on: Thursday, April 25, 2024I met John when I reported to Port Credit Detachment, as a cadet, in October 1967. I was assigned to the same platoon that he was on and rode with him on a number of occasions. I learned a lot from him including how to stay awake on the midnight shift. (The first time I dozed off, he hit the brakes and I bounced off the dashboard. Lesson learned.) His rapier whit was legendary amongst all who knew and worked with him.
Rest in Peace, John L, my friend. You were one of the good guys.
Kevin Murphy
Posted on: Thursday, April 25, 2024We have lost the Patriarch of our family and Head of the Ontario Blue Blood family.. He is the creator of a legacy that will last forever in the hearts of many especially his family. I am proud to say I am his Son-ln-law, and honoured to say he is my Father-In-Law. Kim and I are the luckiest parents in the world to raise our children around JR…he is our Hero ! I will think of you every day and miss you every second. Your favourite Son-In-Law. Murph.
Rick Madden
Posted on: Thursday, April 25, 2024So sorry to hear about your Dad. I understand how it all came to close and I have an immense amount of respect for those who choose this logical and practical path. He left a great legacy with so many family members following his career of service. Cheers, and cherish all memories. You will always have a dad.
Camille and Debbie Lynch
Posted on: Friday, April 26, 2024Our sincere condolences to the families.
Lorrie Norwood
Posted on: Friday, April 26, 2024My deepest condolences to the Richardson family. I met John when I worked at the OPP as a co-op student at the Barrie Detachment, No. 7 District DHQ in Barrie many years ago. He was always kind to me as a young student, he liked to tease me which I always enjoyed and I thought of him often over the years. I continue to work for the OPPA and heard his name many times in passing. RIP in John.
Kim & Dave Patterson
Posted on: Friday, April 26, 2024We are both so sorry to hear of JR’s passing. We both worked with JR at Barrie.
JR was a joy to work with. There was never a day where JR didn’t prank someone or was the recipient of a prank. There was never a dull moment working with JR. I have very fond memories of the JR days at Barrie.
Our sincere condolences to the whole Richardson family. R.I.P. JR🥰💙
Pierre Jacques
Posted on: Friday, April 26, 2024Sad to hear about JR. He was a good man who cared about people he worked with. I know of one particular incident he had my back. Nothing but respect for the man. He will leave a lasting impression on so many people. RIP John and my condolences to his family but on the bright side you will be blessed with positive memories forever.
Elizabeth Ann (Boyd) Graham
Posted on: Friday, April 26, 2024The Richardson family were always there when I was growing up. Knew John when he was just a little boy. Lost touch with the family over the years. So sorry to hear this sad news. Ann
Suzanne Chaddock
Posted on: Friday, April 26, 2024Dianne, John Jr and family. My sincere condolences. JR was larger than life who always looked after his people. My first meeting with the family was at Wasaga Beach in the early 80’s where he was welcoming and supportive of a new officer that continued at Barrie det. And always with a smile. RIP JR.
Wendy Weist
Posted on: Friday, April 26, 2024Dianne and Family,
I am very sorry to hear about JR’s passing. I first met JR when I was a recruit at Barrie Detachment. I had the honour of working with him as I became familiar with a whole new world and experiences. Immediately JR made me feel like a member of the team and always gave me sound advice and encouragement. We had so many good laughs and I was so lucky to have had the opportunity to know and work with JR. I extend my deepest condolences to you and please always remember the impact JR had on so many.
Gail Bouley
Posted on: Saturday, April 27, 2024My sincere condolences go out to Dianne, John ,Kim, Paul and all of their families. He was certainly a wonderful man and definitely one of my favourite brother-in-laws. He held a special spot in my heart and I will certainly miss his wit and kindness that he was so know for. So sorry for this great loss.
Martin de Silguy
Posted on: Saturday, April 27, 2024Dorothy & I are so sorry to hear of JR’s passing. I enjoyed many years of working with him at Barrie detachment. He will be fondly remembered by his many friends and colleagues. Our condolences to Dianne and family.
Chris and Vince Bertrand
Posted on: Sunday, April 28, 2024We are so sorry to hear of JR’s passing. We met Dianne JR and their family in early 70’s when we moved into the new neighbourhood of Erin Mills. We were all part of the first 500 settlers. We have so many good memories of progressive dinner parties, pool parties, kids’ birthday parties and so much more. JR was a great practical joker. The Richardson family were always there to lend a helping hand and even though we lost touch in recent years we were very lucky to have made life long friends. JR will be sadly missed. Hugs to Dianne and all the family. Xo
Rob Fournier
Posted on: Monday, April 29, 2024My heartfelt condolences to Dianne and the entire Richardson family.
I have enjoyed the pleasure of being a “part of the family” since 1989 when JR Jr, Kim and I joined the OPP together, then later through marriage.
JR Sr. was such a proud OPP officer and father. He and Dianne raised a family with more combined OPP service than any other I know of. Quite a legacy.
He was always a card to be around. I will remember him fondly.
Diane, John, Kim, Paul, and family. You should be proud.
Love and hugs from your extended family, Rob, Nikki, and Joshua Fournier.