William R. “Coach” Richardson

March 25, 1945 - April 10, 2020

William R. “Coach” Richardson, age 75, formerly of Skokie. Beloved husband of Joan E., nee Tanner; dear father of Sue Ellen (David) Haak and Angelyn (Eric); loving grandfather of Ellie Sue, Ethan, William, and Kayliana; fond brother of Charles (the late Renee) and Shirley (Gary) Steines.

Bill graduated from Niles East in 1963, where he competed in football and wrestling. His senior year he was named Most Valuable Football Player. He received a football scholarship to Northeast Missouri State, which is now Truman State. After graduation in 1967, he was thrilled to come back to Skokie and began teaching at Niles North, coaching football and wrestling. In 1971, he transferred to Niles West, where he taught Driver’s Education and Physical Education. He was Defensive Coordinator under Mike Basrak and Don Huff. In 1982, Bill became Head Football Coach and remained in that position until his retirement. In 2000, he was inducted into the Illinois High School Football Coaches Hall of Fame. Coach Richardson was a mentor to many coaches, a leader of young men, and a father figure to all. He loved watching his daughters follow in his footsteps: Angie becoming a teacher and Sue Ellen teaching and coaching the New Trier High School Boys Varsity Volleyball Team.

Coach Richardson loved people and had many friends. He was an optimist, lighthearted, and non-judgmental man. One of his favorite things was going out for a beer and burger with his coaching staff, former players, and friends and family. A member of Skokie Valley Baptist church, a proud Norwegian, the owner of BJ’s Antiques in Evanston, and owner of several apartment buildings, Bill followed his passions. He loved dancing at weddings, and everyone was always happy to spend time with him. He was one of those people others flocked to, and he always made everyone feel special and loved.

Since retirement, Bill has spent most of his time at his beloved cabin in Wisconsin, where he has enjoyed hunting and raising beef cattle. He passed away after a long, hard battle with Alzheimer’s, surrounded by his family. He will always be remembered as a loving husband, father, coach, and friend.

A virtual Memorial will take place on Sunday, April 19, 2020, on Facebook. Please contact the family for details.

Due to these unprecedented times, in lieu of flowers or donations, we ask that you pay it forward to someone impacted by Covid-19 with an act of kindness in memory of Bill.

Info: 847.673.6111.

William R. “Coach” Richardson, age 75, formerly of Skokie. Beloved husband of Joan E., nee Tanner; dear father of Sue Ellen (David) Haak and Angelyn (Eric); loving grandfather of Ellie Sue, Ethan, William, and Kayliana; fond brother of Charles (the late Renee) and Shirley (Gary) Steines. Bill graduated from Niles East in 1963, where heContinue Reading

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My condolences to the Richardson Family. Coach Richardson was my physical education instructor. He was a dedicated teacher and football coach. He later became my colleague when I substitute taught at Niles West. The Niles West community lost a first rate teacher and true gentleman who brought out the best in his students and players. He was a product of the Niles Township high schools who returned to give back to his alma mater. Thank you for being part of my high school education. May his memory be eternal. God Bless

I went to school with Bill, we both graduated from East in 1963. I last saw him at the 50th Reunion of our graduating class. I'm a nurse and I could see the sweetness that hovered around him despite his struggle with Alzheimer's. May his memory be a blessing to us all!

Angie and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Your father sounded like a wonderful man. KN

Bill was one year ahead of me at Niles West then East. We first met through football and then generally at school. We saw each other infrequently after high school and then when he and his wife opened BJ Antiques around the corner from my home we renewed our acquaintance and saw each other frequently. I hadn't seen Bill since they closed the store, but, I was saddened when I read his obituary. Bill was truly a kind and a good man and he will be missed. My thoughts and prayers to his family. May he rest in peace.

I am so sorry for your loss. Bill was certainly one of the good guys. May your memories be a blessing. I have fond memories of Bill and will always smile thinking of him.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Coach Richardson. He was an incredible positive influence to me and many others at Niles West HS. He was a good coach and a great man with huge school spirit. I can still remember his red and white van that he drove. Also his football halftime speeches were legendary. They were a combination of "Remember the Titans" and "Braveheart". You will surely be missed.Rest in Peace Coach. 😔😔😔

My condolences goes out to his wonderful wife and beautiful daughters , I know he’s at peace know and in a better place

My prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time Sue Ellen. Please give my love to your mother Joan as well! May you find the peace and comfort only God can provide in your memories and your love for each other!

It was a privilege and an honor to have Bill be my coach, my mentor and my friend. He was instrumental in leading a group of young men in 1969 as head coach of the sophomore team at Niles North and is spoken affectionately 50 years later by many of us.And then it was such an honor to walk the sidelines with him as one of his coaches for 10 years at Niles West on the varsity level. So many stories, so much fun, as we watched Bill build into young men’s lives, teaching them the intricacies of football but more importantly the qualities of integrity, hard work, sportsmanship and character.Bill Richardson was a good man. One who touched the lives of many and left an indelible mark on each of us. I was so fortunate to have him as a life long friend and look forward to the day when I will see him again. Until then I will miss him, yet will be comforted by the many times when his former players and former coaches will get together to reminisce and to smile over the many incredible memories and teachable moments he gave to all of us.My condolences go out to Joan and the rest of the Richardson family as they grieve over Bill’s loss. How I wish we could all get together to share his loss with you and to share with the tears, laughter and the many wonderful memories that we all have of the life of this good and wonderful man.God bless,Phil Steffeck

What a beautiful man with a beautiful family. Sending you love and prayers. May you find peace during this time.

Dear Richardson Family, I always looked up to Bill. He was so kind and always had a twinkle in his eye. What a hard long time this has been for all of you at the end. You have been so faithful to him. Thank you for the example you have set for all of us in caring for him. Thankful that he is in heaven now with a perfect body and mine.

I respected Bill when he was my line coach in high school, and I cherish the memories of the 15 years we worked together when I joined his staff in 1987. He was passionate about football, his players and the men who served under him. His biggest source of pride, however, was always his family.My heartfelt condolences and I wish we could be with you to pay our respects

Coach Richardson was a good coach, a good friend, most of all he was a great person, and a great man who I personally always looked up to. He was always great to talk with, He will be greatly missed. God bless Bill and his family.

My life is filled with happy memories of Uncle Bill. From our time at the cabin to holiday dinners, my life is richer because he was in it. We take great comfort in knowing that Bill is with Christ. My deepest sympathies to Joan, Sue Ellen, Angie and their families.

I am so very sorry! My deepest condolences! Elena Repp, New Trier High School

I'm sorry to hear about Coach Richardsons passing. Many fond memories of football at Niles West from the 84 and 85 seasons. The times spent on the practice field and during games still keep many of us connected to this day. A favorite memory is taking a school bus to a Home Game and listening to "Eye of the Tiger" on the ride. Thanks for the ride Coach.

To Sue Ellen and family: your dad was a kind man and great role model. I remember him supporting me as a coach at Niles west especially early on in my career. It meant a lot to me. Prayers to you and your family.

Joan and family, I am so sad to hear of Bills passing. I share our memories often of the trips we took together. We send our sincere condolences to you and the family. Sincerely, Mickey and Eric Smetana

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.