LEWIS HERMAN RICHARDS's Obituary
Richards, H. Lewis Passed away on May 14, 2013 in his home in Miami, Florida. He was born (September 27, 1935) and raised in Cromwell, Connecticut as the youngest of 4 boys. As a distinguished graduate, he pursued a career within the Air Force. As a navigator, he crossed the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean many times. As a pilot on the "Caribou" (C-7A), he flew supplies and wounded soldiers (or the remains) in and out of the combat zones of Vietnam. He received the Air Medal 5 times, along with many other awards. After 14 years of active duty, Lew decided to leave the Military and applied with Pan Am as a commercial pilot. He still found time to stay in the Reserves for another 10 years (as a pilot instructor) working on weekends. He retired as a Major with full benefits in 1977. Between 1967 and 1983, He flew for Pan Am, Egypt Air, Aeroamerica, Air Berlin (Chief Pilot). In 1983, American Trans Air (ATA) hired him to fly their Lockheed 10-11 as a Captain. As a devoted employee, he stayed with them for 25 years. During the Gulf crisis in 1990/1991, (Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm) Lew, amongst other pilots of ATA, volunteered to fly troops and supplies into critical war zones (Liberation of Kuwait). He received the Aerial Achievement Medal. When ATA went out of business in 2008, Lew quickly shifted his energy and attention-to other things. He kept his boats, cars and homes in perfect condition. Having worked for his housing community, Three Lakes POA for many years as their Lake Chairman, he became one of their 5 Board members, taking on additional responsibilities. When Lew left flying, he had logged more than 25,000 hours of flight time. Lew loved life and life loved Lew. He never took things for granted and he never complained. He appreciated life as a "package deal". His gentle, yet, strong character, his happy nature, his positive attitude towards everyone and everything, earned him the respect, trust and admiration of many people all over the world. He will be missed by all of his family members and by all that had the opportunity to know him. The family will be receiving friends at 6:00 pm on Saturday June 1, 2013, followed by a Celebration of Life service and Military Honors at 6:30 pm at Van Orsdel Kendall Chapel. Buffet to follow. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in his name to the MSMC-Foundation - Melanoma Program Funds Attention to: Paulina Lopez/Dr.Lutzki. 4300 Alton Road Ascher Building 100 Miami Beach, Florida 33141.
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