The ARA mourns the loss of its former president and a powerful industry advocate, Stanley Richardson.
Cover photo courtesy of Michele Richardson
Stan was born September 8, 1938, in Vancouver, B.C., and he passed away peacefully at the age of 85 on December 20, 2023. He is lovingly survived by his wife of 63 years, Rose; his son, Rick, with his wife, Jennifer; grandson, Tanner; daughter, Michele; daughter, Renee, with her husband, Erwin; brother, George, with his wife, Joy; and many nieces and nephews. Stan was pre-deceased by his brother, Cliff, with his wife, Shirley; and his sister, Patricia, with her husband, Lyle.
Living in Vancouver, Stan started playing the piano at age four. He would listen to a song and then he would teach himself how to play it. He continued with music all his life. In his teens, he jammed with many, including his friend Tommy Chong, and he continued his music career as he started up bands such as The Hi-Fives in the 50s. The Hi-Fives cut several records, which can be found on YouTube today (Fujikama, The Warrior, Mean Old Women, Cold Wind, Goin Away).
Stan and his band also played with other famous people such as Della Reese and Sammy Davis Junior, to name just a couple. They played often in local clubs around the Lower Mainland in places such as the New Delhi. Stan was the piano man they called “Red” due to his red hair.
Later he formed another band call The Blue Notes. Again, he played at local clubs and often played at The Variety Club to help the children in need.
Stan also had a love for cars and worked during the day in auto body, repairing cars at an early age. He met his wife Rose in 1960, and they were together since. He moved his family to Ladner, B.C. in 1971, and by 1977, he opened Ladner Auto Body Ltd. Stan joined the ARA in 1977, and among his many achievements, he became president of the ARA in 1992, when he became a powerful advocate for the industry.
Stan was respected by everyone. His son Rick followed in his footsteps, taking over the family business to continue the Ladner Auto Body legacy. This allowed Stan to retire, and although he retired from his music career and playing in clubs in the 70s, he still met up with fellow band members to have jam nights and play at special events.
Outside of work, Stan loved to travel with his family and friends. He will be missed by all. Stan’s wish was to not have a funeral. His soul lives on in the people he touched.
Rest in Peace Stanley Davis Richardson.
