RICHARDS Renowned regional alpine skier W. C. Bill Richards Jr., age 84 of Grand Rapids passed away January 24 2012. He was preceded in death by his wife Marjorie Richards and sister Beverly Aten. He is survived by his children Marcia (Joseph) Bartelheim of Highlands Ranch CO and Charles Chip Richards (Dr. Helen Scott) of Grand Rapids; grandchildren Olivia and Emilia Bartelheim Ian Nuala and Caroline Claire Richards; brother-in-law Bob Aten; also nieces and nephews. Bill grew up in Cadillac MI was a Life Scout and earned his pilots license by the age of 17. He enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps and served as an aerial photographer in Europe near the end of World War ll. He earned his bachelors degree in mechanical engineering from Michigan State University and first worked for AMI. Bill retired in 1982 as Chief Engineer for Guardsman Chemical Corporation. Bill was a well known regional skier. He volunteered as a ski patroller and later became a professional ski instructor as he helped pioneer the popular new post war winter sport. Many people have been touched by his smile gentle nature and love of downhill skiing. Memorial services will be Saturday February 25 at at St. Andrews Episcopal Church 1025 3 Mile NE Fr. Michael Fedewa officiating. Interment Maple Hill Cemetery Cadillac. Visitation one hour prior to the service at church. Memorial contributions may be made to the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans Volunteer Office 3000 Monroe NE Grand Rapids MI 49505
