Jeffrey Dale Richardson was born on August 17, 1943, to Solon "Dale" and Pearle "Jean" (Mathews) Richardson in Galion, Ohio, along the shale-filled shores of the Olentangy River. He died at home in Freeport, Illinois on December 28, 2023, under a cathedral of century-old oaks near the banks of Yellow Creek. He was an essential, cherished member of his small family and a stalwart presence in his large community of friends.

Growing up in Mansfield, Ohio, Jeff spent his youth as an explorer, thoroughly investigating his surrounds. He learned to identify trees and plants, went canoeing and camping with pals, and traced constellations in the night sky. He enjoyed building and fixing things with his dad. He loved helping his mom in the garden and kitchen. He fondly remembered canning sour cherries from a backyard tree for later use in home-baked pies during winter.

Jeff was a proud member of the Boy Scouts of America. He led Boy Scout Patrol meetings in the basement of his parents' house on Highland Avenue. Scouting gave him many memorable opportunities for adventure, travel, and learning. Jeff went on to achieve the highest rank attainable in the BSA, Eagle Scout. His Scouting experiences made a significant impression, influencing him for the rest of his life.

As a teen, he worked after school at Kafer's Flowers with his florist father where he learned to select the best blossoms for use in elaborate bouquets. The love of flowers and appreciation of beauty he gained there persisted into adulthood. He continued to enjoy assembling floral arrangements, especially as gifts for friends.

Jeff left home at age 19 to attend DeVry Technical Institute in Chicago, Illinois. After two years of intensive study in the burgeoning field of computer science, Honeywell Electronic Data Processing hired him as a technician in 1964. Assigned to work at Honeywell's New York City headquarters, he serviced mainframe computers all over Manhattan, including those at the General Service Administration, the U.S. Post Office, and Department of Consumer Affairs.

In 1966, he met his "true love" Margaret Cowling at a party in the Bronx and proposed to her the following year. The two were married in Mansfield, Ohio on November 25, 1967. While living in Brooklyn, New York, the couple had two children, Angie and Alex. In 1975, they moved to Freeport, Illinois, the home of world headquarters for Honeywell Sensing & Controls and Micro Switch. The shift to the Midwest provided a neighborhood full of young families, green grass underfoot, room for a gigantic vegetable garden, and easy access to nature. Jeff was proud of his kids and made sure they grew up to become excellent problem-solvers, just like him. He raised his children to be trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, and kind; to work in harmony with others; to be cheerful, thrifty, brave, pure of heart, and reverent of the natural world.

After spending 40+ years in a field he loved, computer maintenance and information technology support, Jeff retired in 2006. He devoted the next 17 years of his life to pursuing his passions. One of Jeff's deepest values was "service to others." He lived this out in so many ways—through volunteering with AARP as a financial advisor and tax preparer; as a regular blood donor through the Red Cross; with his Kiwanis Club and Freeport Garden Club; and at the YMCA and Fitness Lifestyles. Together with wife Margaret, he tended the Commissioners' Garden in Krape Park for twenty years. His philanthropic interests were broad, but he particularly loved supporting local non-profit organizations, often researching them in-depth and visiting to learn more. Jeff never hesitated to lend a helping hand to neighbors, colleagues, friends, or anyone in need.

Self-described as "nuts about tennis," Jeff eagerly and doggedly invited others to share his enthusiasm for the sport. He devoted countless hours to organizing leagues, communicating with players, and keeping people connected to the game and one another. As part of his service to his beloved tennis community, he strung racquets (550 of them over the years!) for a low fee and donated all profits to the Tennis Club Fund. Monies from that fund, which he established, were used towards things enjoyed by all, like the purchase of a ball machine, net replacement, and court repair.

Always on the lookout for ways to improve his game, Jeff frequently added to his repertoire of techniques. He truly loved playing tennis and, amazingly, did so until just two months before his death at age 80. For 17 months, Jeff faced off against a formidable opponent, gastric cancer, taking chemo every other week. Although he succumbed to the disease, he still won the match by demonstrating incredible tenacity, good humor, and grace throughout.

Jeff had lots of interests. He was a devoted conservationist and fanatical recycler. He enjoyed woodworking, oil painting, and astronomy. He was a true master of organization as well, forever updating spaces, systems, and processes to improve their efficiency and use. He conjured up exquisitely detailed spreadsheets for every purpose under the sun. Jeff could fix just about anything and would offer solutions to problems (sometimes indiscernible to anyone but him.) He was also happy to give extensive advice on nearly any topic—whether solicited or not. Jeff's loquaciousness found its most endearing outlet in the everyday interactions that allowed him brief moments of connection with all who crossed his path. These simple exchanges filled him with tremendous joy.

During his final days, when asked about his life, Jeff said, "I did what I could, and I loved doing it!" This single sentence speaks volumes and captures his purest intentions. May his story inspire us all to exercise abundant curiosity and compassion as we find ways to lovingly do what we can during our brief lifetimes. Although his presence is deeply missed, his legacy of generosity lives on.

Jeff was preceded in death by his darling wife of 56 years, Margaret, having lost her only four weeks prior. He is survived by his daughter Angela (Paul) Richardson, son Alexander (Colette) Richardson, and grandchild Paisley Koch, all of Madison, WI; his younger sister Karin (Ken) Starbuck of Mansfield, OH; his niece Kim (Kevin) Taylor of Lubbock, TX, and his sister-in-law Christina Clark of Totnes, UK.

As per his wishes, cremation rites have been accorded with Walker Mortuary, Freeport, IL, and there will be no services. The Richardsons extend gratitude to FHN Cancer Center for months of loving care and also to FHN Hospice and Supportive Care for help through the transitions. In Jeff's memory, please consider taking up tennis. If you already play, it's time to up your game! A celebration of both Jeff and Margaret, of their long life together, and of the many treasured friendships that made their lives so rich, will be held sometime next spring.