Life Sketch

Oscar LaVon Richardson was born December 19, 1935, in Brigham City, Utah, son of Jedediah and Wanda Bowden Richardson. He was reared and educated in Brigham City and graduated from Box Elder High School. He served in the U.S. Army and then met his sweetheart, Barbara Hunter, while attending Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. They were married on April 25, 1958, in the Logan LDS Temple. He graduated from Brigham Young University in 1960. He taught art and coached wrestling at Monticello High School for nine years. He then moved his young family to Elwood, Utah and started teaching at Box Elder High School. Two years later, he moved into Brigham City. For three years, he was a teacher and the wrestling coach at Box Elder High School. He was an active member of the LDS Church and served as Sunday School teacher, MIA teacher, and Sunday School superintendent. He was president of the Elders Quorum of the Brigham City 4th Ward at the time of his passing. He was a very successful wrestling coach and mentor to his team. He and Barbara had seven children at this time; four sons and three daughters: Kim (14), Suzette (13), Sherry (11), Wayne (10), Kirk (8), Trent (5), and Bryon (14 months). Oscar was a great husband, father, and coach.

The Accident

Oscar was on an outing at Willard Bay with his family and co-workers when his daughter Sherry started struggling in the water. He swam out to save her, and tragically, they both drowned while the rest of the family was on the shore watching. Oscar was a true hero and gave his life trying to save his young daughter. The Richardson Memorial Wrestling tournament was started in his honor. See below for more details about the accident that took his life. He was also survived by his mother, Wanda Bowden Lichfield, and the following brothers and sisters: Jed Richardson Jr, Robert Richardson, David Richardson, Merlin Richardson, LaVern Tanner, Rhea Christensen, Cleopha Cog-dill, Kathleen Mis-rasi, and Melba Anderson.