Donaldson Richmond

A MEMORIAL SERVICE CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF Donaldson (Boochie) Richmond SUNRISE – JUNE 8, 1942 SUNSET – AUGUST 16, 2022 OBITUARY Donaldson Richmond passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of August 16, 2022 in Arlington, Virginia at the age of 80. He last resided in McLean, Virginia and lived the better part of the second half of his life in the Detroit, Michigan area. Donaldson Richmond was born on June 8, 1942 to Lester George Richmond and Emily (Gilliam) Richmond. He was known as Don to most but as “Boochie” to his family. His childhood was spent in Inkster and Detroit, Michigan with his four brothers - James, TJ, Ozell and Cornell and two sisters - Celeste (Matthews) and Dianna (Little). He and his former wife, Phyllis Russell, had two sons. Carlton (Nicole) birthed grandchildren Marcus and Amelia, while Derek (Sarah) birthed Adam and Harper. Don joined the Army at the age of seventeen and served for six years, receiving his high-school G.E.D. while in the military. Upon discharge, Don attended Automation Institute of Detroit, the University of Rochester, and Rochester Institute of Technology, where he collected numerous computer science certificates. He began his career at the National Bank of Detroit and quickly advanced in the computer and banking fields, moving on to Blue Shield, Hospital Computer Center, Bendix, Xerox, Crocker National Bank (where he became vice president), Bank of America (also serving as a vice president), Seattle First National Bank and Compuware Corporation. His career path took him to cities around the country: Flint, Michigan; Ann Arbor, Michigan; Rochester, New York; San Francisco, California; Seattle, Washington; Baton Rouge, Louisiana; and, ultimately, back to Detroit. He was a true entrepreneur throughout his life. His last venture was a turkey seasoning he named ‘A La Don’ Seasoning, which was and continues to be enjoyed by many. His seasoning (and his spaghetti sauce) are a family secret that he passed on to his sons. He had numerous hobbies including playing chess, and he was darned good at it! He had his pilot’s license and he played around with learning to play the guitar. He also boated, skied, lifted weights, etc. His sense of humor was his most valuable trait. He often referred to himself as “the man,” “the kid” and, most notoriously, “Superman.” Don’s response to “how are you” was to reply, “damned near perfect!” He is survived by his kids, Carlton and Derek, his girlfriend Suzanne and her kids Michael and Lisa, brother, James (Jeanette), sister Dianna (Wilfred), niece, Lisa, nephews, Darryl (Kamala), Kevin (Joanne), Steven, Damon (Jeanee), Christopher, Lawrence (Leah Marie), Dominick, Ari, Alexis, Raymond, Justin, Josiah and a host of grandnieces and grandnephews. He is predeceased by his brothers TJ (Myla), Ozell, sister, Celeste (Vincent) and nephews Dionne and Craig. He was not a religious man, but his spirit certainly exists as he, through warm memories, will make us laugh, think and work to be damned near perfect for years to come. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to https://vva.org/donate/#section0. It will be greatly appreciated. Instructions on how to contribute donations are as follows: Vietnam Veterans of America in the name of : Donaldson Richmond 1205 Balls Hill Rd. McLean, VA 22101 You have to click on "Make a Memorial Gift." They will likely ask for address information to let us know that a donation was submitted. Zoom Instructions 1. Go to Kempfuneralhome.com. 2. Click on your loved one’s photo. You are now on their Tribute Page. 3. You should see a tab labeled photo & videos (or it may be labeled media, depending on your device). Select that tab. 4. Just before the service starts, you will see an icon labeled Webcast (or it may be labeled external video, depending on your device). Select the icon. 5. You will begin to launch into the zoom meeting. 6. Wait for host to let you into the meeting.

Donaldson Richmond

June 8, 1942 - August 16, 2022