John Loftus Richards Dds

John Loftus Richards DDS - Retired Petaluma dentist, John Loftus Richards, Jr., D.D.S., passed away at the age of 90 at his ranch on August 20, 2007, following a lengthy illness. He was born in Los Angeles, CA on September 4, 1916 to John Loftus Richards and Elizabeth Ann Doherty Richards. He was predeceased by his devoted wife of 57 years, Dorothy Ann Beebe Richards and by his parents and sister, Regina. Besides his children, John, Julianne (and Michael) Butler, and Thomas (and Denice) Richards, he leaves behind his loving grandchildren, Melissa Richards, Aaron (and Angelica) Butler, Caitlin Butler, Emily Richards, and John Richards and step-granddaughter, Kate Fitzgerald and great-granddaughters Gillian Wallace and Skylar Richards, and ex-daughters-in-law Laura Richards and Roberta Richards. He also has two nieces, Betsy (and Fred) Schrieber, and Susie (and John) Bruun. He retired from the Naval Reserve after 25 years of service and from dentistry in 1981, after 42 years in practice. He was a Past President of the Redwood Dental Association, a Captain of the 12th Naval District, Naval Reserve, and a past member of the Sonoma County Trailblazers Association and the California Carriage Association. He enjoyed riding horses and driving horse-drawn carriages. He also restored .the carriages that he drove. He hunted game with friends. In retirement to his ranch he raised sheep, whose fleece his wife spun, dyed and wove into garments. He loved growing and showing his many varieties of irises. He also designed and made jewelry and was a watercolor artist. Following is a quote from his writings: â??How blessed I have been to have my family and so many friends enrich my life.â?