David Richardson was a longtime member of the ALS community, working with the Center for X-Ray Optics and then a decades-long owl shift operator at the Advanced Light Source before retiring in 2021. He passed away in April 2026 and will be missed dearly.
- Read: Memorial Article for David Richardson
- Read: Memories of David Richardson By His Friend James Bork
- Read: Memory Board for David Richardson
We have collected memories from the community to share with each other and with David’s family. To share a message and/or photos, please contact alscommunications@lbl.gov
Hear from David Richardson’s mom, Connie Richardson:
David arrived in Garden City, Michigan, on November 12, 1961, the fourth of five sons born to Barbara and Wayne Richardson. An easygoing child who loved to read and learn, Dave left high school early to attend the University of Michigan. From there, he moved to UCLA, then on to UC Berkeley.
I met David in Los Angeles in May 1988, and soon after, he became my stepson, although we did not use that term. I always proudly introduced David as my son, and he kindly presented me as his mom.
Everyone who knew David realized how much he valued knowledge and enjoyed exchanging ideas and expanding on thoughts. He was so articulate, and his writings were always fascinating to study and evaluate. Books that he prized turned up regularly at my door with a sweet note attached, saying he was sure I’d enjoy this cookbook, novel, biography, or book of photographs. Then we’d discuss it the next time he called.
Dave had a wonderful sense of humor and a charmingly childlike view of the world…he was forever sending a video of a squirrel performing a silly stunt or a kid spotted in a serious situation doing something unknowingly hilarious. He found delight everywhere.
Dave was my dear friend, and his calm voice soothed me through difficult times. I’m certain he did the same for countless others, especially once he retired and worked on a crisis hotline.
As clever and well educated as David was, I think his greatest gift was promoting kindness and compassion.
Ever the optimist, he was such an inspiration, gently steering us to be better people, to do as much as we can to help others, to give to those organizations, such as OxFam and Doctors Without Borders, that provide assistance globally.
Our Dave often told his dad and me what a privilege it was to be hired at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and to work among such brilliant, dedicated people. He thoroughly loved the amazing, exciting, and satisfying experience!