by Marv Wendt and Jan McNiel
The Western Region recently learned of the passing of long-time member George Richards, 1927-2020. Both George and his wife Shirley were very active in the Western Region management and in organizing and executing events for the members. He will be sorely missed.
A native Californian, George was born on July 20, 1927 in Beverly Hills. George enjoyed a career in real estate development and construction, playing a role in building out Southern California’s San Fernando Valley. In 1951 he married his sweetheart, Shirley. Together, they raised a fine family in Chatsworth, CA.
George was a passionate “Ford Guy”; the proud owner of a 1939 Ford convertible, a 1957 Ford Skyliner which he purchased new (the car remains in the family), a 1986 Mark VII, and the car with which most of us LCOC members are familiar; his maroon Lincoln Continental Mark III, an Elliston Bell trophy winner and recipient of full emeritus status. George was an accomplished “wrencher”, maintaining his Mark at its extraordinary level and DRIVING the car to every event where she continued to rack up trophies.
From the beginnings of their membership in the ‘80’s, George and Shirley were influential in the Western Region, devoting much time and effort in helping manage the Region, from planning and organizing many club events, to Shirley’s tireless effort and many years in the underappreciated role as membership chair.
In memory of George, the Western Region has honored him with an engraved walkway brick at the Lincoln Motor Car Heritage Museum.
Our thoughts, prayers and condolences go out to Shirley, and the Richards family.
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