William M. Richter Memorial

IN MEMORIAM:

On September 24, 1922, William Marion (Bill) Richter was born in the front bedroom in the house near Igo, which had been built by his father and grandfather. The family homestead, called “South Fork Ranch”, was originally established in 1886. His mother’s family were also early pioneers arriving in Shasta County as early as 1850.

A “country boy” of those times was bound to know hard work as well as outdoor pleasures. Bill and his brother, Jack, were no exceptions to this rule. Tending livestock and harvesting crops were demanding tasks, but Bill never shirked hard work. Always an animal lover, he took a certain pleasure in there care. He was close to his mother and would help her about the house, even with traditionally “womanly” tasks such as quilting. His mother, Daisy, was a school teacher and strick taskmistress over his studies in the one room Southfork School.

At Shasta High School, Bill participated in the Ag Club, student government, track and boxing, graduating in 1940. At home, he had studied by the light of gas lamps until electric power lines finally made it to Igo sometime during his sophomore year. Employment opportunities were scarce, and so was money, so his spare time was occupied for odd jobs around the community. Sadly, his mother died when he was 18 and away from home working for an aviation company. After this tragedy, he joined the U.S. Army-Air Force and spent the next three years as an instrument instructor and radar operator.

After completing his military stint, Bill returned to Shasta County, married, and resumed family life on the Igo ranch. Most of his working career was spent in retail management of farm supply businesses. He worked for Cal-Farm Supply for 30 years. He possessed a wealth of knowledge concerning farming techniques and products. Throughout his life remained a lover of nature, the sort of person who would sit quietly for long periods of time just to watch the activities of wild animals. His favorite sport was fly fishing in remote areas where he could escape the accouterments of civilization. He was, however no stranger to community life and service. Bill was active in the Farm Bureau, Odd Fellows Lodge, Masonic Lodge, Water Resources Board, twice on the Grand Jury, and spent two terms on the Shasta College Board of Trustees. A member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, he became deeply interested in genealogical studies and the Shasta Historical Society.

Throughout his life, Bill was admired and loved by friends and family. He displayed a kind of gentle disposition, a wonderful sense of humor, an inner serenity, and a rare sensitivity. He deplored acts of prejudice and injustice; he was a true humanitarian. Bill cared about young people and the responsibility that each generation must assume for securing a safe and better future. He was a tremendous optimist and lived a good life, setting a wonderful example for all. Bill died on October 3, 1987, after a long struggle with cancer.

Bill is survived by loving and proud members of his family, his widow Joanne Richter Ross and five children; Karen McCall and Melody Richter of Redding and Howard, Michael and Clifford Lindauer of Red Bluff.

On behalf of Bill Richter, his family wishes you great success in your new adventures and endeavors. May you remain true to yourself and your country; give to it more than you take and serve it well. God Bless You.