David Richards

OBITUARY DAVID C RICHARDS

David Carson Richards passed away on August 30, 2025, at age 84. He was born in Bremerton, WA, April 3, 1941, to Carson and Gertrude Richards. He graduated from Central Kitsap High School, then attended the University of Puget Sound where he earned a degree in Fine Arts Painting and Sculpture. He then attended and graduated from the California College of Arts and Crafts, in Oakland, CA. He had earned a scholarship at CCAC to study Industrial Design.

He married Helen Bunnell on April 2, 1966, in California. He and Helen moved to Australia for two years where he designed for British Motor Car Company. They traveled across Australia in a $75 VW bus named Fred. Fred was shipped to Ceylon (Sir Lanka) and then later to India. They spent a year traveling across Middle East and Europe to London, England. They then returned to Oakland, CA, where he made his home and career and raised his family.

David worked in design at Container Corporation of America, then Heritage Paper as a packaging designer, until leaving for his trip on the Pacific Crest Trail. David loved painting and doing sculptures. His love was collecting many old cars, buses, tractors, airplanes, boats and possibly anything else with an engine. Some he worked on, some he didn’t.

In 2003, he completed a solo trek on the Pacific Crest Trail from the border of Mexico to the border of Canada in four months. Quite a feat at age 62. He then moved to Bremerton, WA.

On June 21, 2008, he married Alberta Carter, in Poulsbo, WA. They lived in the Bremerton/Poulsbo area until his death. David developed a close and endearing relationship with Alberta’s children, Garna, Kirsten and Harlan.

He is survived by his wife, Alberta; his two sons, Evan Richards (Heather) and grandson Carson, of Mancos, CO; Bennett Richards of Oakland, CA; his brother Steven Richards (Linda) of Bremerton, WA; two nieces and four great nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held October 16, 2025, at the John Horsley Community Room, from 2-5 pm. The address is Island Lake County Park, 1087 NW Island Lake Rd, Poulsbo, WA 98370. Please come prepared to celebrate David, bring pictures to share and tell lots of stories. This will be a casual affair. Appetizers will be provided.

Please visit lewischapel.com/obituaries/david-richards if you wish to sign the guest book or send photos.

The family would like to extend their thanks to Hospice for their exceptionally wonderful and loving care of David.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Kaiser Permanente Home Health, Hospice and Palliative Care, Charitable Donations, CHM-C140, 201 16th Ave East, Seattle, WA 98112-5226. Please note that the donation is in memory of David Richards.