Dr. Jeffrey E. Richards

May 17th, 1946 - December 31st, 2021

Dr. Jeffrey's Memory Wall

We encourage you to share your most beloved memories of Dr. Jeffrey here, so that the family and other loved ones can always see it. Share your favorite stories or comment on those shared by others.

Hello,
I just wanted to say that it was a blow to my entire family when we heard the news. We love our dogs like they were our own children and there wasn't anyone we could trust more than the doc. Even after we moved away from St. Joe we would drive hours to go see him. I remember going when I was very young with our first dog and he would sing to the animals to make them less stressed. We used to call him Dr. Doolittle cause he always seemed to know exactly what was wrong.

I guess all I want to say is Thank You. We feel very lucky to have had you as part of our lives.

Autumn (Roth) Knol

January 27th, 2022 at 4:28pm

Dr. Jeffery Richards, what a Blessing for so many years to have had such a great example, tender heart that impacted so many people lives! To have known such a great man as Dr. Richards was an honor to say the least.

A man with such a tender heart to have loved and cared for not only everyone’s fur babies, but also serving the community in so many ways trying to make a difference. One will never realize how many lives he truly touched and impacted, his void will be ongoing, but his love is yours forever.

It is our prayer for his family and our community that as time goes on so will the healing but always treasure the memories, they are yours forever. Extending my families deepest sympathy to his family, holding you all in prayer, thank you as well for your years of hard work and service, you all made it all possible...

The Benson ~ Johnson Family

January 12th, 2022 at 1:48pm

I'm so saddened to hear of Dr Richard's passing. He mentored me 30 year ago and helped me get into veterinary school. I share James Harriot-esque stories of him- typing prescription labels on the typewriter and weighing pets on the bathroom scale. I still think of tips he repeated consistently when closing a spay incision. He was so gracious sharing his profession with me. He also convinced my mom that I needed to adopt a kitten the police found down on Silver Beach if I wanted to understand cats. That cat Whisky went on to live over 20 years with my parents! What a kind and influential man he was to me.

So very sorry for your loss, Karen Bannow McConnell

Karen McConnell

January 7th, 2022 at 12:15pm

Keller and I will always be grateful to Dr. Richards for the love and compassion he showed George and Abby (the pugs). He helped us through the most difficult times when we had to say goodbye to our furry family members. He went over and above being a doctor, he was truly a caring member of our community. He always asked me how my parents (Stu and Joan Meek) were and how Keller is doing in school.
Dr Richard’s will truly be missed.

Patti Meek (Kloss)

January 6th, 2022 at 4:59pm

Dear Nancy, Max, Ross and the entire Richards family. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time of loss. Dr. Richards meant so much not just to us but many who were blessed to know him. We will always remember his unconditional love and caring of our furry four legged kids. He is one of a kind when it comes to vets and people alike. Cherish your memories as we all will and know that he watching down upon us as he frolics with all the fur babies he helped across the rainbow bridge.

Shirley Sommers and Gary Miller

January 6th, 2022 at 3:33pm

Dr. Richards has cared for our "Fur Babies" for over 30 years. He was one of the most kind and compassionate people I have ever met. Whether I was with my pets at his office or running into him at his coffee run at Bigby, he always knew who I was, asked about my animals and also about my sons. We had many talks about hockey and basektball. I trusted no one else with my pets. My heart aches for his family and all of us who knew Dr. Richards as a veterinarian, public official, and friend. He will be dearly missed.

Christi and Patrick Mangold

January 6th, 2022 at 12:39pm

We are just heart broken for Dr. Jeff's loved ones. We felt so safe when the office took our feline girls, Misty and Taffy, on as patients. I made the mistake of telling Dr. Jeff that they were pretty maintenance free and he just shook his head, grinned and said I'd jinxed. them. (We did see him somewhat often in the year and a half we've been here.) He treated us right along with our fur babies. Thanks for everything and God Bless. It must have been quite a welcoming across the Rainbow Bridge. Love, Misty, Taffy, Susan & Kim

Susan Hoppe

January 6th, 2022 at 10:38am

We didn’t know Jeff, but, for a matter of hours, while at Anna and Jon’s baby shower. In that brief period, on that summer day; Jeff made my wife and I feel as if we’d known him like a neighbor. He had stories to tell and advice to give those who were out of the loop, very open to anyone willing to be his friend.

He was kind and funny and made us feel at home with he and Nancy and their family.

We became his friend that day, and will remember him that way, for the rest of our time on this earth..

Our only regret is, that, we wish we could have known him longer in our lives..

“So long, Jeff..”

Alex and Michele Biedron

January 5th, 2022 at 1:43pm

Nancy and Family,

Our heartfelt condolences to you all. We send our prays for comfort as you mourn Dr Jeff’s earthly presence.

As many have shared he has left a legacy with his engagement in the community and compassion for the many pets and their families over the years. Our experiences echo many of the same sentiments.

I will forever be thankful for the opportunity to shadow and learn from him and work with you all. I learned so much from him in my time there and every time we had to bring the pups in.

Thank you for sharing him with us all.

Stephanie Trela & Adam Valleau

January 4th, 2022 at 5:56pm

Jeff was a dear, dear friend who, my wife Becky and I always enjoyed being around AND who we trusted our beloved dogs to over the years. Jeff and I were side-by-side on many Lions Club projects and social events as we both worked our way through the chairs of the Club to the Presidency. He (along with Becky) got me interested in reading books. I treasure the book he got me for Christmas, signed “To my best friend Brian.” I will always miss him and pass my heart-felt condolences on to all family and those who loved him. Heaven is richer today for Jeff’s presence.

Brian Smith

January 4th, 2022 at 3:36pm

Dr. Richards, we were blessed to have you as our vet for over 25 years. You had a unique sense for our dogs and what they needed. I know that you gave us an extra 4 years with our Gracie when you sensed she may have an adrenal problem on a routine visit. And you gently reminded me that Yitsy needed to know she was number one in my heart. We loved that you were there to share our joys of puppyhood and our sadness when it was time to say goodbye. We will miss you greatly. Our prayers for comfort for Nancy and the rest of your family.

Jim and Michele Allen

January 4th, 2022 at 11:25am

Doc, you will always hold a very special place in our hearts for all that you’ve done over the many years for our animals and for so many others that you have been there for. You always had the knowledge, kindness, smiles, laughs, and the exact words when we needed them the most. And the special treats for them every visit. They love those treats! There were many days we couldn’t thank you enough. You are a kind soul and will be so greatly missed.

Nancy and family - Dr. Richards and your office have felt like a part of our family all these years. Our most heartfelt condolences to you all and all the lives he has touched. He will be remembered fondly.

Crystal Plew

January 4th, 2022 at 9:53am

Dr. Jeff, as we’ve called him since he became our Veterinarian Extraordinaire in 1977, holds a cherished place in our lives. His entire time in practice we have had pets enough to have an unbroken record until two weeks ago when we last were in the office. Animals he doted on, cared for, healed and when the time came, prayed for and over, were lovingly administered the shots necessary to allow them to pass in peace into loving heavenly arms. His whistle (which I still don’t know what the tune was) would announce his entrance down the hall and into the exam room. My cats knew they were going to be alright when he would gently palpate abdomens saying lungs, heart, intestines, liver, spleen, kidneys etc as he felt for possible anomalies. I (we) had faith in him and his vast knowledge and experience.
We always left with the peace that he would in any way possible. When he knew their ordeal was over, he would pray a beautiful prayer as he lovingly sent them to await reunification with family on the other side. His bedside manner was one to be envied by physicians. His loss can’t be measured in words; you will feel it in the emptiness in your heart. You will be sorely missed. We love you.

Kimberly Hatch Hill

January 3rd, 2022 at 9:06pm

Farewell to Dr. Richards, a beloved SJ personality. Thank you for for your long public service. You were truly dedicated to the veterinarian profession and I liked bringing our dog, Kodi, to your office. Despite your kindness, friendly manner and caring, I don't think the dog liked it much thought she still wagged her tail for you.
May Nancy and the family thrive and keep the fond memories you leave them with and they should know the community respects your contributions.