ON THE DEATH OF THE HONORABLE JOSEPH M. RICHARDS.
The Honorable Joseph "J." Morris Richards passed away on January 5, 1999 at the age of ninety-two.
Born in Joseph City, Arizona in 1906, J. Richards enjoyed a long and distinguished career in business and public service. After receiving bachelor's and master's degrees in education and English, he began work as a teacher and then as a reporter and news editor at the Winslow Daily Mail in 1929. Following his service in the Army during World War II, he went on to become the newspaper's publisher, a position he held until 1965, when he became a professor in the Brigham Young University Communications Department. He served five years as the department chairman before his retirement in 1975. J. Richards also was director of Western Savings and Loan Association from 1937 to 1987.
From 1957 to 1963, J. Richards served three terms in the Arizona State Senate, capably representing his constituents from Navajo County. His other public endeavors included service as special assistant to Governor Wes Bolin and as assistant Superintendent of Public Instruction for eight years.
Among his many accomplishments, J. Richards compiled a twenty-volume, ten thousand-page, fifty-five year history of the Arizona Legislature, a venture that took him eleven years. He also wrote several books on Arizona history, including Unflinching Courage. Through his tremendous efforts, J. Richards distinguished himself as a remarkable Arizona historian and true expert and lover of this state's history.
Committed to bettering the world around him, J. Richards ably served in various capacities within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including a bishop, counselor, high councilman, class instructor, temple worker and genealogist. His lifelong accomplishments as a businessman, public servant and educator earned him the respect and admiration of all who knew him over the years.
Therefore
Be it resolved by the Senate of the State of Arizona:
That the Members of the Senate sincerely regret the passing of the Honorable Joseph Morris Richards and extend their sympathies to his wife, Aloa, daughter, Maria, son, D. Morris, eight grandchildren, three sisters and other surviving family members.
UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTED BY THE SENATE MARCH 22, 1999.
FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE MARCH 22, 1999.
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