Bayard Richard

Bayard Richard, Age 91, of Glen Mills, Pennsylvania, was called home to eternal rest on Thursday, May 23, 2024.  Known to his friends as “Rich,” and to his children as Dad or “Pop,” he was a man of quiet strength and undying loyalty.  This kind and strong soul, Bayard, was born in 1932 in New York City to the late Paul and Gertrude Richard.  As a child, he moved to Ramsey, New Jersey, and graduated from Ramsey High School in 1950.  In high school he played baseball and basketball, but swimming led him to follow his father and brother Paul to the University of Wisconsin to compete on their swim team.  Many unique stories of swim practice and meets consistently amazed.  Following graduation in 1954, Bayard joined the United States Army serving as an officer at Ft. Gordon, Georgia, where he met and married the late Edwina McKenna in 1956.  They shared 30 years of marriage and had six children; Lorraine Henry (Clay), Paul (Shelley), Robert (Annie), Susan Patt (Francis), David (Suzanne), and Alan (Maureen).  “Pop” kept a list of loved ones and their birthdays in his wallet to make sure that he never missed an opportunity to express his care for them. 

Following his military service, Bayard moved to the Chicago area and got a job with the magazine Popular Mechanics.  When the publication needed pictures of someone to demonstrate flotation devices, they chose this intrepid new hire.  The magazine issue was later found in the cell of those who escaped from Alcatraz Prison.

In 1972, Bayard moved his growing family to West Chester and, always being a good provider, he took a job at The Franklin Mint.  For the next 25 years he created and edited sales copy for their products.  It was at “the mint” that he began playing weekly tennis with friends that continued for the next 50 years.  He also took up running during this time, and was a dedicated participant in the annual “Brian’s Run” for many years.  Upon the death of Edwina, The Franklin Mint was also the place where he would meet his second wife, Kathleen Copson, with whom he shared 38 happy and loving years.

After retiring, Bayard obtained a job at ACAC Athletic Club, rising before dawn to open up and work the front desk, greeting guests with kindly eyes and his wry comments, which will be missed by all.  Bayard was deeply loved for his sense of humor and his devotion to his family and friends.  He took great pleasure in observing his children, 21 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren go about their daily lives as part of an ever-growing family.  He enjoyed walking at Ridley Creek State Park and cherished time at the Jersey shore, especially in Strathmere, New Jersey with the Copson family.  Another favorite pastime was playing softball on his senior men’s team, the Legends.  A lifelong sports enthusiast, he was always eager to discuss and follow local sports as reported in the Daily Local News.  This is no surprise because the hobby Bayard enjoyed the most was reading.  He read books constantly and instilled a love of literature in all of his children and grandchildren.

There are not enough words to describe Bayard’s life well-lived, and this beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend will be missed by all who knew him.

Friends and family are invited to celebrate Bayard’s life on Saturday, June 8, 2024 at the Maris Grove Chapel in Glen Mills, PA (200 Maris Grove Way, Glen Mills, PA 19342).  The family will welcome visitors beginning at 10 AM.  A memorial service will be held at 11 AM, followed by a luncheon.  If you are able to join us for lunch, please RSVP here.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.

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