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Michael Edward Richards

August 3, 2021

Beloved husband, father and friend, Michael Edward Richards, died peacefully at home on Tuesday, August 3rd, 2021, after a fierce and courageous battle with cancer. Michael (Mike) is survived by his dear wife, Leslie, and their three loving children, Brooke, Cole, and Ryan. He will be deeply missed by his father, David Richards (Martha); his brother, Peter (Corinne; children: Kyle, Andrew, Jack); and sister, Jane (Jim; children: Annie, Callahan, Chloe). As well, Mike will be genuinely missed by his in-laws, Maxine and Wayne Eedy, and sisters-in-law, Dawn Eedy (son Braeden) and Laurie Spangenberg (James; sons Sebastian, Tristan). The Eedy family wholeheartedly embraced Mike like he was the son and brother they never had. Mike was predeceased by his mother, Elizabeth (1938-1996); their bond everlasting. 

Mike will be remembered for the phenomenal pride he held for his family, for his amazingly infectious laugh, and for his creative nicknaming abilities. He was an incredible athlete, leader, and mentor to others. He loved his sports and thoroughly enjoyed coaching youth sports, coaching the Western University Women’s Tennis team (2006 – 2021), and cheering on his alum, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns, and his favourite, the Detroit Lions. Mike took pride in his operation of the University Tennis Centre and in his support of his longstanding members. Mike couldn’t wait to get to the family cottage when the opportunity arose, and he truly appreciated spending time with family and friends, poolside, in his backyard.

The family will receive guests on Sunday, August 8th, 2021 during visitation hours from 12:00 – 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. at Westview Funeral Chapel, 709 Wonderland Road North, London. Registration will be required to attend the visitation. The Celebration of Life service, in honour of Mike, will be held on Monday, August 9th, 2021 at 4:00 p.m., at the same address, by invitation only. 

To register for Mike’s visitation, please click here: >Registration page for Michael Richard’s visitation on Sunday, August 8, 2021 from 12:00 – 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.

The Richards Family would like to thank everyone for the outpouring of support during the most difficult of times. In memory of Mike, platelet and blood donations, to Canadian Blood Services, would be greatly appreciated. To book an appointment, please click on the link below.

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Deepest condolences to you Leslie and your entire family. Deeply saddened by his passing. It was always such a pleasure to work with Mike. His memory will last forever on Bobs Lake.

~ Joe Palmieri

My condolences, Leslie. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. London and its tennis community has suffered a great loss and Mike will be dearly missed. Much love.

~ Marc Sopoco

My sincere condolences to Mike's family and friends on this terrible loss. Mile was such a huge personality and such an important part of the tennis community. His big booming voice and wonderful sense of humour will forever echo in that University bubble. We will miss him.

~ Jeff Gallant

Dear Peter and family, We are truly sorry for the loss of your brother. May time heal your sorrow, as we pray for you, Michelle Krohn and family, Brian and Bebe

~ Michelle Krohn

My sincere condolences to the entire Richard's family on the passing of Mike. He was taken far too early for a man of his youthful exuberance and active lifestyle. We senior tennis players are grateful for his loyalty and care for all of us. He will be forever part of the tennis world in London. May he Rest In Peace.

~ Greg stone

Dear Dave and the entire Richards family, our hearts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time. Love and prayers. Jim & Gloria Haddock and Debbie Rush

~ Jim & Gloria Haddock and Debbie Rush

Dear Leslie and family; Our sincere condolences on the loss of of your dear husband and father Dave. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time.

~ Mary & John Vanderhoeven

My Tennis partner in many competitions I will not forget you Mike, and as a good friend when I was in London. We had great experiences together on the court and off. You will always be a champion.

~ Cam Monroe

Deepest sympathies to the family. It was an honour knowing Mike and working side by side with home for a few years when I was a Junior tennis player. He was such a kind, compassionate and caring person who always made you smile. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time.

~ Paul Schaffner

Devastated! Mike Richards was truly one of a kind. His boisterous and jovial nature will stay with me forever. He was a kind man with an infectious personality. Although I have known him for 20 years, I am so grateful for the time I was able to spend with him over the past few years. I considered him a great friend, who always had sage advice. He will be immensely missed by anyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. My deepest condolences Leslie and family.

~ Mike Gaze

Dear Pete, Corinne and family, I am sending you all my sincere condolences for the passing of Mike. Mike had great energy, and was a joy to be around. I was fortunate to have had some of my earliest lessons on the court with him. He will never be forgotten. I am thinking of you during this difficult time. Once again, I am so sorry for your loss. Deepest sympathies.

~ Philip MacDonald

On behalf of the Karlson Family our condolences to the entire Richards Family on the loss of your beloved Michael. May you all find peace as you mourn, holding onto all of your memories of deep love and unbridled laughter that Mike brought to you. May God hold you all in His merciful hands.

~ Jill Karlson

Dear Richards Family: I was very sad to read of the passing of Mike. My sincere condolences to your family at this very difficult time. I remember Mike from the family chats at Strathroy Foods. Such a great loss for Leslie and the children. My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with your family. Ineke

~ Ineke Haan

Dear Leslie and family; Our sincere condolences on the loss of of your dear husband and father Mike. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time.

~ Mary & John Vanderhoeven

Dear Leslie and family, our family's thoughts are with you at this difficult time. Mike was always an upbeat guy and full of laughter, he will be sorely missed.

~ Eldon Loh

Dear Richards Family: My deepest condolences on the lose of Mike. Although I did not know him as well as Pete and Corinne and their family I do remember the great visit down to The Howes Farm in Parham and cottage to enjoy some country life. My sympathy to all of you.

~ anne howes

I had the pleasure of meeting, and getting to know Mike at Western University . He took great pride in the Tennis facility on Campus. Thinking of his family during this difficult time.

~ Craig Fellner

Tennis at the bubble will never be the same. I cant fathom how I will play in a clinic on court one without Mike. A true leader, teacher, competitor and friend. Our deepest condolences to Leslie, the Kids and Families. The tennis community in London has you in their prayers.

~ Andrew Jamieson & Family

Our condolences to the entire Richards family. It's hard to express how sad we are for all of you. Sending our love and prayers to you all ❤️

~ June and Craig Richardson

I am shocked and saddened to hear of Mike's passing. I always enjoyed his clinics at the "bubble" and know he will be missed by many. My deepest condolences to Mike's entire family.

~ kathryn kinahan

Dear Leslie and family, Rick and I were so sad to hear about Mike. Our hearts are with you all. Keeping you in our prayers.

~ ten Haaf family

We were deeply saddened to hear about Mike's battle with cancer and his passing. I was Mike's college tennis coach at USL and remember most of all what a great person he was. He was also an instrumental member of our team that won the Sun Belt Conference Championship in 1992. I was lucky enough to see him a few years ago and it was obvious how happy he was and how much he loved his family. Fortunately I spoke with him in December and will have that great conversation as my lasting memory of him.

~ Erick Iskersky

I am deeply shocked to hear the news about Mike's passing. Forever, I will cherish all the memories of him in tennis court. He is going to be sorely missed.

~ Ata Haddadi

Mike had never ending enthusiasm, he was the kindest and most authentic man. I'm so very sad for the loss of this great man, and am especially saddened for his family, I hope for you to have strength in this very hard time. Mike must have had great strength, because we at the tennis club never knew he was sick, he still played well and always seemed to be having fun, what a legend. God bless With great respect and deepest condolences Parker Ferguson

~ Parker Ferguson

I was deeply saddened to hear about Mike's passing. Mike was one of the nicest guys I have ever met. His passion and dedication as a tennis instructor and tournament organizer was truly remarkable. Please accept my warmest condolences. Doug Discepolo

~ Doug Discepolo

(Donated to Canadian Blood Services)

~ Jody McKee

(Donated to Canadian Blood Services)

~ Student Experience, Western University

(Donated to Canadian Blood Services)

~ Hart Lesley

(Donated to Canadian Blood Services)

~ Hall Bohlinger

(Donated to Canadian Blood Services)

~ Danielle & Greg Kaiser

Leslie and family, I am so sorry for your loss and my thoughts are with you at this difficult time. I have great memories of Mike and played in many of his tennis tournaments over the years. Like everyone, I will miss Mike and think of him often.

~ Terry Bailey

Stephanie Douglas and I are extremely sad to hear about the passing of a former professor of ours from Western. Mike wasn't just a Tennis coach, or a teacher, he brought Tennis alive with his passion and created an environment where everyone enjoyed every class. Mike taught so many students but always remembered me and Steph, even when I went back post grad. His class was the first time I ever spoke to Steph and he watched our relationship from the beginning moments until Graduation and was happy to hear that his class had a small part of it. He will always be the guy who knew I was horrible at all aspects of Tennis but had a serve that 1 out of 10 would be an ace. Steph will always be remembered as the person who refused to attempt a backhand in class 😂🤣. Condolences to the Richard's family. I truly feel as though without Mike, our relationship may not have kickstarted the way that it did. Thank you for pairing us together in class and in life. Thank you for everything in our time at Western and for everything you have done for the Mustangs Steph and Kev

~ Kevin & Stephanie Douglas

Sending love and condolences to Leslie and family. I enjoyed my time working at the UTC during my undergrad at Western and Mike was always a pleasure to work with. I know he will be sorely missed.

~ Kristen Johnson

Sending our condolences! Mike will always be remembered as a great coach and an awesome guy! He will be so missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with Leslie and the family. Loved those nicknames too Hop Skip and Jump Greenwell

~ Jane and Garry Greenwell

I only knew Mike from UTC tennis but his loss has touched me deeply. Mike was always upbeat with a smile, a wink, and a good word. He ran us ragged in tennis drills which were always fun. I learned so much from him. He was taken from us much too early. My condolences to the family especially Leslie, his wonderful and caring wife.

~ Joel Herscovitch

Uncle Mike was such a wonderful person to be around. Despite our families living far apart, Uncle Mike always made everything so familiar and warm. He was outrageously funny and always got a laugh out of me, my mom, and my siblings when we spent time together! I feel lucky to have gotten the chance to know him. I will miss you Uncle Mike, and I send all my love to Aunt Les, Brookie, Cole and Ry❤️

~ Chloe Brebner

Someone once wrote, "Those we love can never be more than a thought away, for as long as there's a memory they live in our hearts to stay." I am so so sorry for your loss, Leslie & family. I know the love and support of family and friends will get you through, and that you have an abundance of wonderful, loving memories to sustain you in the future. I'm sorry I won't be at the visitation...but you will continue to be in my thoughts.

~ Michelle Hall

It is hard to imagine that my dear friend Mike for about 25 years is no more! He has not only been a great tennis coach but was a unique person and like a brother to me during all these years. My deepest condolences to Leslie and family! May God give you all the strength and fortitude to bear this great and irreparable loss and move forward in your lives. I will carry the many great and fond memories of Mike Richards as long as I live. I will miss him deeply! Mike-My dear friend and brother- May You Rest in Peace!

~ Ram Valluri

Mike was a childhood hero of mine. He was very influential in my early involvement in tennis as a kid. He was a source of encouragement and inspiration. I remember fondly many good times shared at the tennis club, on the football field and at various social gatherings. I can only imagine how difficult these last couple of months have been for Leslie and family. My deepest condolences. Rest in Peace Mke...you will be missed!

~ Dave Dodge

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Mike . We wish to extend our deepest sympathy to Leslie and family.

~ Yvette and Richard Voegelin

I am so sorry for your loss Leslie and Family. We will all miss Mike and I have known Mike at John Hatch since Kay and Thida were playing junior tennis. The club will not be the same without him. Our deepest condolences.

~ Winsome Han

We were very sad to hear of Mike's passing. Our deepest condolences to Mike's family, our thoughts and prayers are with you! Richard, Shelley & Jessica Scott

~ Shelley Scott

Our love and support to your family always. Wishing you peace of mind knowing what loving memories you have left with your family. Gone from our sight, but never forgotten.

~ Emily Braam

Mike's passing not only a great loss to his family but his "extended" tennis family of all those who have enjoyed and benefited by his humor and enthusiasm on the tennis court.

~ George Klein

Leslie and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Mike will be missed by so many. I hope your warmest memories and emotions of your time together will help to guide you all through this hard time.

~ Leigh Walter

Leslie and family, we are so sorry for your loss and offer you our most sincere condolences. We are thinking of you and sending you lots of love.

~ Lucie and John Lean

Unfortunately, I cannot attend the visitation, but I will remember Mike every time I'm on the court. Mike's natural way of inspiring people to be their best, both on and off the court, has impacted many (especially the young players on the Western University Women's Tennis team) and will extend to future generations. Wishing you strength for today and hope for tomorrow.

~ Keith Tomasek

One of the nicest guys I've ever met. Every time I play tennis I will think of him cheering us on.

~ Justin Byers

Thinking of you at this sad time; sincere condolences. I have only the happiest memories of Mike at the UTC. He will be sorely missed.

~ Jim Zucchero

My sincere condolences to Leslie and family. I will always remember his smiling face and friendly banter whenever I was at the UTC. He will be greatly missed.

~ Susanne Thrasher

I already miss you, my dear tennis partner! Rest In Peace and I pray for your loved ones to find comfort in each other.

~ Elena Matusa

Sending you and your family much love and prayers during this difficult time. I personally will truly miss Mike's loud voice shouting "Marrrrce" as I stepped on to "his court". Wonderful man, wonderful memories. Grieving with you all and praying for comfort.

~ Marcy Demelo (Patton)

Sending all my love to what feels like a second family of mine. Mikey truly was the best university coach I could have asked for and gave me the ability to be confident and believe in myself. Mikey, you've inspired me to be the best captain I can be, and I'm taking our team to victory for my last year of Western tennis (and beating you know who), just as I know we would've done together💜 Love you coach! Fly high.

~ Leanna Carpino

My sincere condolences to Mike's family. Mike played a huge role in my life during my time at Western and he will be missed. Rest in Peace Coach Mike ❤️

~ Maja Dragovic

My sincere condolences to Leslie and family. Mike played a significant role in my university experience at Western his passion for tennis and his team spirit drove us all to give it our best on court. I still remember walking by the UTC bubble to class and hearing the echo of Mike's laugh . Thank you for all the memories, you will be missed! Rest in peace Coach Mike! #gostangs

~ Aurthi Muthu

As a close friend of Dave, the Jim Harrison family sends sincere condolences to Leslie her children & the whole Richard family. Thinking of you with love.

~ Jim & Ann Harrison & Family

Leslie, Brooke, Ryan and Cole and extended families. Our sincere condolences learning of Mikes passing are sent to all. Fond memories of Mike from years past, his kind nature and that iconic laugh.

~ Garth & Connor Rowe

My deepest sympathies to Leslie, Brooke, Cole, Ryan and families. Mike was kind, funny and genuine. I will sadly miss Mike (he was part of our Monday night tennis family) and his nicknames, sayings and laughter! The world is missing a wonderful human being. Rest in peace Mike, you will be forever in our hearts.

~ Kat Klambauer

Sending my condolences to Mike's family. I fondly remember Mike sitting behind the tournament desk running the UTC tournaments smiling and joking with whoever came in. RIP Mike.

~ Steve Fenerty

Dear Leslie and Family, our condolences on the passing of Mike. We will miss seeing his smiling face at tennis,soccer and hockey. Sending you and your family love and strength.

~ Mary&Gary Thoms

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