Mr. Norman Richards of Lethbridge, beloved husband of the late Mrs. Jean Richards, passed away peacefully at Chinook Regional Hospital on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at the age of 91 years.
Norman Richards was born on January 19, 1935, in the Galt Hospital, the first born of Frank and Evelyn (Barrows) Richards. He grew up on the family farm northeast of Coaldale and attended school in town. The influence of these experiences shaped his life and created a lifelong interest in machinery and its influence on people’s lives. Following graduation, he went to the University of Alberta Calgary campus and pursued becoming a school shop teacher with short-term teaching jobs in Turner Valley, Pincher Creek and Two Hills. Following completion of his fourth year and degree, he took a position in Vulcan County. It was a fortuitous choice as he became acquainted with his landlord’s oldest daughter, Jean. Norman and Jean were married on July 11, 1964. For the next 8 years they moved between Vulcan, Picture Butte and Lethbridge and eventually made Lethbridge their home. Norman transitioned from teaching to property management and it worked out well for him. This gave him more freedom to travel and pursue antiques and vintage vehicles which he became well known for. He will be remembered for the discovery, recovery and restoration of the only known Redcliff truck left on the planet. His later years were marked by physical challenges, but his smile and attitude defined his character and kept him going.
Norman is survived by his brother-in-law Dick Schuler and his wife Brenda of Vulcan, his sisters-in-law Marilyn Richards of Coaldale, Isobel Schuler of Lethbridge and Merelyn Schuler of Cranbrook, Connie Schuler of Kimberly, B.C., as well as numerous nieces, nephews and their families. He was predeceased by his wife Jean, his parents Frank and Evelyn, brother Edward and eight brothers and sisters-in-law.
A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 pm, Monday, May 4, 2026, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 – 4 Street South, Lethbridge with a luncheon to follow.
Flowers are gratefully declined. Donations can be made to the charity of choice.