George Gail Richardson

George “Gail” Richardson, 87, passed away on Monday, September 10, 2012. He was born on September 23, 1924 to parents G. Vern and Ethel Mae Richardson in Chelan, Washington, the fifth of seven siblings. The family later moved to Wenatchee, where Gail attended school. At age 10, Gail lost his mother, but being enterprising even then, desired to do farm work and attend the Pritcher Canyon School. At 14, he drove cattle and tractors on Badger Mountain. At 17, he worked on the Mud River Dam construction. At 19, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served in the Pacific for three years during WWII. When Gail returned from serving in the war, he married Mary Katherine McGee in 1947. They lived on Stemilt Hill, and had a modest farm which included a cherry orchard where they raised three children. Gail started his plastering business in 1954. During this time he developed a kinship with Stemilt Growers founder, Tom Mathison, who encouraged Gail to build his first fruit warehouse, as well as invest in an enterprising construction business that would specialize in fruit warehousing construction. On November 26, 1965, he married Donna Cozzalio in Wenatchee and made a home in Cashmere in 1968. Gail was as extremely successful contractor in the Wenatchee area. He was an innovator who was not afraid to invest and promote his ideas. G. G. Richardson Incorporated was what Gail esteemed as his “greatest achievement;” he was very proud of his business. He enjoyed helping his family and friends, and later, the children of his family and friends, by employing them in his business. Some of Gail’s hobbies were riding horses, taking care of farm animals, fishing, golfing, boating, and watching Husky Football. Gail was preceded in death by his mother and father, his siblings, and two children. He is survived by his wife, Donna of Cashmere, children, Brad (Maija) Richardson, Ellen Massey, Ben Richardson, Jeff Cozzalio, Rick (Mary) Cozzalio; 10 grandchildren, Rick, Shellana, Meagan, Gabe, Amy, Jake, Jessie, Myra, Nohemi and Rosy. A graveside service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, September 15, 2012 at Wenatchee City Cemetery. A Celebration of Life gathering will be announced following the graveside service. Memorial donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Associations and Leukemia Lympnoma Society. The family would like to give a special thanks to Blossom Creek Memory Care and to Bonaventure for their loving and professional care they gave to Gail. Please express your thoughts and memories on the online guest book at jonesjonesbetts.com. Arrangements are by Jones & Jones-Betts Funeral Home.

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George Gail Richardson

September 23, 1924 - September 10, 2012