Darwin George Richardson

Darwin George Richardson, 82, passed away on July 6, 2024.

Darwin George Richardson was born in Pocatello, ID Sept 29, 1941 to James and Leah (McCulloch) Richardson. He lived in Inkom until he graduated from Marsh Valley High School in 1959. He married Kathy Coffin from Downey and had a daughter, Stephanie. Their marriage lasted about 7 years.

He graduated in Speech and Drama from ISU in 1967. He taught in Ukiah, CA for 2 years before returning to Idaho to obtain his master’s degree in Guidance and Counseling in 1973. In 1974, he earned his second master’s degree in Administration from the USF.

In 1969, Darwin met and married Nina Ethel Hinds in Ukiah, CA. They spent 48 years in Ukiah raising their 5 sons and 1 daughter. Darwin worked as a teacher and counselor in the Ukiah Unified School District for 35 years. For the last 7 years of his career, he also served as the principal for summer school. After retirement, he continued to contract and volunteer his counseling skills for rural schools until 2005. From April 2005 to September 2006, Darwin and Nina volunteered as missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Church and Family History Mission in Salt Lake City, UT. Upon returning home, they served remotely for 5 more years. In 2017, they moved to Chubbuck, ID to be closer to their children and grandchildren.

Darwin was an avid explorer and loved outdoor activities such as fishing, hunting, skiing, camping, and hiking. He was heavily involved in leadership with Boy Scouts of America, and mentored all 5 of his sons as they earned their Eagle Scouts. He completed multiple 50-mile hikes and High Adventures with his sons. Darwin also enjoyed such hobbies as leatherworking, building elaborate sand castles, photography, driftwood mobiles, and much more. Darwin loved to travel; he took his family to 27 states, Mexico, and Canada. Darwin and Nina also explored Europe.

He was the site director for the Northern California high school sports playoffs for over 25 years. Darwin also directed a summer Japanese exchange student program for 8 years, helping hundreds of students understand American culture and improve their language skills. His charisma and ability to connect with youth influenced the lives of thousands through the years.

For many decades, Darwin served as youth leader, counselor in several bishoprics, a bishop, counselor in a stake presidency, and high councilor for the Church. Darwin also served on the Mendocino County JJDC, helping law enforcement protect vulnerable youth. He served 2 terms on the Mendocino County grand jury.

He is survived by his wife Nina (Hinds), his children: Stephanie, Joshua (Kelly), Jason (Jasmin), Nathan (Jelaire), Barry (Emily), and Sarah (Brad), and his brother Brian (Marianne), 27 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, and one more on the way. He was preceded in death by his parents James and Leah, his son Sean, and his elder brother Lee.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, July 11, 2024 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 801 N Rapid Creek Road, Inkom, ID.  A viewing will be held one hour prior beginning at 10:00 am.  Burial will follow at the Inkom Cemetery, 618 East Inman Road, Inkom, ID 83245.

Memories and condolences may be shared by visiting the Guestbook below.