The Tragic Death Of Richard Richardson

Richard and his Racer ‘Micky Mouse II”

If you are scratching your head trying to remember what chapter of the ACBS Richard is a member of, don’t worry, he would have been close to 100 years old today. But sadly he died in June…1939 WHA? Okay okay, it’s just another way to do a story on a very cool photo that Alan from Katzs Marina just bought on ebay. How cool is this, and sad all at the same time.

Well, what a way to go. Yikes, running into a pier? How does that happen? I suppose a Pacto helmet would be more than cool. But man oh man. It’s a little sobering, knowing that a fun drive can be deadly. I did google around to find out any more information on Richard Richardson. But there doesn’t seem to be much or anything on the web. But because of this story, now there is. And now Richard lives on here in Woodyboaterville where no one ever dies!

23 replies
  1. m-fine
    m-fine says:

    I think the answer is in the text. “Tuning up the motor.” Distracted driving at high speed too close to shore.

  2. Matt
    Matt says:

    If he had the APP he could have found another guy to help. Just saying? Wait, sorry that was a little insensitive. Too Soon? When is the cut off for humor? 50 years? 100 Years? I am so confused these days.

  3. mark edmonson
    mark edmonson says:

    Back in the early 90’s I restored a 1962 Lautherback Hydro, that I got from Tom D’Eath (Unlimited Driver). Once I restored her Tom told me I have to drive it to enter the 100mph club! What a rush, but will never do it again. Filled my pants every time I was out!!!

  4. Matt
    Matt says:

    YIKES.. My cut off is around 40-50. And it just feels like it aint safe. In that little racer, we push the 35 range, it could be a little faster. But these boats were not really made to go faster in many ways. The hydros are an entirely different thing. YIKES! I have done 115 in a race Donzi, and good lord that is fast!

  5. Matt
    Matt says:

    OUCH.. HAHAHAA Well, we are doing an APPDATE report this weekend. The Android issues I have been told. 14 of them were fixed, BUT, you will need to get rid of the app on your device and resign up. BUT. We tried that with Jim Staib last night and it didnt work. So we are not anouncing it yet. AHHHHHHHHHHH!

  6. Wheresmyabacus
    Wheresmyabacus says:

    A bearded, colorblind, guinea pig representing the Android community.

    My confidence level is not where it should be.

    • Tobler
      Tobler says:

      Jim might not be perfect, but he owns the second coolest dog in WoodyBoaterville and no cats so he is our top Android user.

      Now pardon me while I go melt the snow off my head!

  7. Floyd r turbo
    Floyd r turbo says:

    While practicing for a potential entry in the Catalina ski race I was pulling my friend behind my flat bottom v-drive ski boat with 454 Chevy V8, edelbrock TR2X tunnel ram, twin Holley carbs, Vertex magneto, 27% overdriven Casale v drive, etc that we tested to low 90’s mph. Pulling him up to about 65-68 he lost control, after the 4th cartwheel on the water I thought I’d be picking up a dead body. Fortunately, he survived and was able to go back to work after 3 days not being able to walk without pain.

  8. Greg W
    Greg W says:

    Driven Skater Cat at 114, Blown 3 point hydro at 130, stuffed an offshore but draw the line at a Jersey Speed Skiff. Those guys are crazy.

    • Dennis J Mykols
      Dennis J Mykols says:

      I agree Greg,
      I also draw the line with Jersey Skiffs, lol. I have driven a Skater at 131 mph, and my 21 foot Saber Offshore at 85 with a little chine walk a couple of times. My bucket list has me driving a vintage 3 point hydro over 100. Someday Bill Johns and I will hook up. But my bad back saids no to riding along with Kenny Gallup in his Jersey Speed Skiff…

      • Randy
        Randy says:

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      • Dennis J Mykols
        Dennis J Mykols says:

        Here is why I will not ride with Kenny, nice guy, crazy driver with guts. And to think he is older than me…

  9. mahoganymadnees
    mahoganymadnees says:

    He might have been texting and driving…or putting a note in a bottle (the twitter of the day)

  10. Mark in Ohio (sometimes da U.P.)
    Mark in Ohio (sometimes da U.P.) says:

    Richard Richardson looks like a real dude. It is a shame his life was cut so short. He would have made a hellova PT boat captain in WWII. I’ve been 70 once, as bad as I hate to admit it in a Bass Boat. That was enough.

  11. MikeM
    MikeM says:

    Well, I’ve spent most of the day in the library researching the life and death of Rich Richardson. As it turns out, he WAS an android user (ahead of his time ((friends with Al gore Sr. )) and he was using the navigation function on the WB app when he hit the pier. Sorry Matt. Get your lawyers on stand-by

    • m-fine
      m-fine says:

      Matt will be fine. No jury is going to believe he was able to get the map page to even load on an Android phone. Slam dunk case for the defense.

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