Colonel Francis Harrie Richardson, Mary’s father 1960
Francis Harrie Richardson had an impressive career that spanned two world wars. He served in WWI with the Canadian Royal Air Force and in WWII with the United States Air Force in radar research and development. Over those decades, his jobs ranged from journalist to (literally) “rocket scientist,” with other engagements in between. In retirement, “Colonel Rich” served on the board of the Tennessee Space Institute until his untimely death at 76. His obituary (see below) recounts his remarkable career.
His achievements do not betray a major incident from his childhood in which his mother, a promising and attractive pianist from a prominent British Columbia family was committed to institutional care. Harrie and his brother were raised by his father and moved from Western Canada to Ontario, where later he met and married Rose Mansbridge.
Harrie Richardson cut a distinguished figure and was a loving grandfather called “Pop.” Outside of his work he was both passionate and accomplished at golf, bridge and piano.
