Dennis (Denny) Richardson

Full Name:

Dennis Richardson (Denny)

Date and Place of Birth:

August 12, 1949, Des Moines, Iowa

Date and Place of Passing:

September 2, 2023, Solace Hospice Center, Asheville, North Carolina

Family Information:

Spouse: Mary Richardson

Son: Travis Richardson

Daughters: Kim Vetter and Tonya Mitchell

Daughter-in-law: Jill Terrill

Sons-in-law: Jason Vetter, Michael Mitchell

Grandchildren: Kiernan, Trinity, Christian, Madison, Sierra, Caden, Jaycee

Education and Career:

Dennis served in the army, earning several awards, including sharpshooter. He spent the majority of his career at Williams Pipeline Company as a line supervisor. He always told his son, Travis, that he "was the first one out of the truck and the last one in."

Hobbies and Interests:

Dennis was a dedicated sportsman, enjoying fishing and hunting throughout his life. His deep connection with nature extended to all aspects of his life. His love for the outdoors began in his youth when he sought solace in nature after losing his own father. The woods, streams, and wildlife became his refuge and passion. In his final years in Asheville, he found joy in being surrounded by the beauty of the mountains and the company of his loved ones. Dennis was a main contributor to his son's fitness business at Max10 Bodyshaping. He and his wife Mary did everything that needed to be done-cleaning, mopping, prepping equipment, buying supplies, and being a top participant, hardly ever missing a day. He was pivotal and the glue that held the small business together.

Achievements and Contributions:

An adventurous spirit, Dennis embarked on a 30-day bicycle journey across the United States, touching both the west and east coasts. Remarkably, he accomplished this feat at the age of 65 after two previous attempts. His determination and resilience set an inspiring example of how never to give up. In addition, while not his own achievement, he should be recognized for how he helped his son, Travis, achieve a slot as a full-time resident athlete at the US Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Dennis spent significant time driving Travis from Iowa City to Des Moines. He logged over 800+ miles per week for over five consecutive years to get Travis the training he needed. He put his life on hold and put his everything into his son--more than most can imagine. This was a major life accomplishment.

Personal Traits:

Those who truly knew Dennis recognized his kind and gentle soul. He possessed a soft heart, deeply influenced by his mother, Joy, who instilled in him the value of giving everything he could to benefit others. Dennis and Mary spent a good number of years helping raise their grandkids Kiernan (now 27) and Trinity (now 20). From changing diapers to taking them camping or picking walnuts with Grandma Joy, he took grandparenting as a serious responsibility and one he loved. This is just who he was.

Celebration of Life Details:

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Davidson River in Pisgah National Forest. Mary Richardson, Travis Richardson, Trinity Richardson, and Jill Terrill will be in attendance.

Other Notes:

Dennis was a true inspiration during his 2+ year battle with bladder cancer. Despite not feeling well, he continued to live his life-- he hiked, was active, loved his wife, and adored his cat, Pokey, as well as those close to him. It should be noted that Dennis's daughter Tonya Richardson and grandchild Kiernan were a source of important connection and love during his final days, with Kiernan by his side during the evening of his passing.

Survived By:

Dennis is survived by Mary Richardson (wife), Kim Vetter (daughter), Tonya Mitchell (daughter), Travis Richardson (son), and a host of beautiful grandchildren - Kiernan Richardson, Trinity Richardson, Christian Vetter, Madison Vetter, Sierra Mitchell, Caden Mitchell, Jaycee Mitchell

Passing Of The Torch:

Dennis never saw these videos. But it says everything about who he is. They were taken post-diagnosis:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=9wTDgjskohA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ju3xYZpRGs

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