Albert R. Richard

Albert "Al" Richard, age 91, a resident of Coupeville, WA, and formerly of Lowell, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 24, 2024. A man whose life was marked by service to others - first as a missionary, then as a psychologist - he touched many lives through his dedication to helping people. He was the beloved husband of Eva Rysava, with whom he shared 17 happy and loving years of marriage.

Born in Lowell, MA, on May 10, 1933, he was the son of the late Albert and Florina (Baillargeon) Richard. Al received his education at Ste. Jeanne d'Arc School in Lowell, MA. He studied for the priesthood at the Oblate Seminary in Bucksport, Maine, and the Oblate College & Seminary in Bar Harbor, Maine, completing his studies at the Oblate College and Seminary in Natick, MA. Al was ordained on June 24, 1959, as a member of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate. He then studied in Rome and traveled to Israel before serving as a missionary in Northern Chile for three years.

Following his time in Chile, Al pursued a new calling in mental health. He earned his Master's degree in social work from Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio in 1969. In 1970, he began work as a social worker at the Via Marisol Mental Health Clinic of the Los Angeles Mental Health Department, where he continued as a clinical psychologist until his retirement in 1993. He first built a home near Seattle in Maple Valley in the late 1970s, later returning to Los Angeles where he met Eva in 1980. After retirement, they made their home on Whidbey Island in Washington State.

Al enjoyed playing the guitar, listening to music, and exploring the outdoors with Eva - camping in Sequoia National Park, skiing at Mammoth and Lake Tahoe, and boating on the Pacific Ocean. He loved reading about great explorers and history, and was an accomplished pilot who loved flying.

A devoted man of faith throughout his life's journey from priest to healer, Al never wavered in his love of the Lord.

He is survived by his loving wife, Eva; his sister, Pauline (Richard) Carignan of Lowell; and many loving nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister, Irene (Richard) Moisan, and brothers-in-law Ronald Carignan and W. Donald Moisan.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Funeral Mass on Monday, November 25, 2024 at 10 a.m. in the Parish of Saint Rita, 158 Mammoth Rd., Lowell.  Visitation will take place prior to the Funeral Mass, beginning at 9 a.m. at the church.  Burial in St. Joseph Cemetery, Chelmsford.  Services will be live streamed and able to be accessed by clicking the link below.

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