Albert E Richardson

Dr. Albert E. Richardson passed away on February 11, 2015, surrounded by his children. He was born in Lovelock, Nevada on February 4, 1929, to Harold and Lorraine Richardson. Albert moved to Las Cruces in 1956 to teach Chemistry at New Mexico State University where he taught for 35 years. It was shortly after moving to Las Cruces that he met Shirley, the beautiful choral music teacher at Alameda Jr. High. They married in 1959 and raised seven children. Albert attended Reno High School and The University of Nevada, Reno, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. He then went on to earn his Masters and PhD degrees in Physical Chemistry at Iowa State University. In addition to teaching at NMSU, Albert did research at White Sands Missile Range, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Sandia National Laboratory and Lawrence Livermore Laboratory. He contributed to over 20 articles in professional journals and received several awards including: Research grantee from NASA in 1966; Equipment grantee from the Atomic Energy Commission in 1968; and postdoctoral research fellow form the Atomic Energy Commission in 1968 and 1969. Albert was a founding cabinet member of The World Peace and Diplomacy Forum from 2003 to present, President of the University Park Toastmasters Club in 1961, and Director of the Southwestern New Mexico Regional Science Fair from 1967 to 1968. As a member of the American Chemical Society, he served as chairman of the New Mexico Section in 1962 and chairman of the Rio Grande Valley Section in 1877. He was president of the New Mexico State University chapter of Phi Kappa Phi form 1972 to 1973 and was active in Sigma Xi, Phi Lambda Upsilon, and Sigma Pi Sigma. Albert loved spending time with his family, camping, fishing, hiking and exploring throughout the Southwest. He and Shirley created a loving home where all were welcome. Their home was filled with laughter, creativity and unconditional love. Albert is survived by his children; Elisabeth Anderson (Kip), David Beckman (Sue), Margaret Chambers (Tom), Anne Ikard (David) and Stephen Richardson. Grandchildren Lara, Jeremy, Charisa, Barbie, Elizabeth, CoryLane, Connor, Alexandria, Olmar, Chloe, Samantha and Francis, and great-grandchildren Kyle, Calel, Savannah, Nicki and Luke. He is also survived by his two younger brothers Clarence and James Richardson as well as his dear friend Dorothy Williams. He was preceded in death by his wife Shirley, son John, daughter Corinne Jameson, and great-grandsons Kendall and Evan. The family would like to give a special thank you to Marilyn, Christine and their most wonderful staff at the Aristocrat. We would also like to recognize Maria Escamilla from Crossroads and Steven Rivera from Ambercare for their exceptional and dignified care of our dear Dad. A celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2015, 10:30 AM at La Posta de Mesilla in Mesilla, NM. The Celebration will be presided over by Jess Williams. PDF Printable Version