Memorial fund established to benefit Richards’ children

OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Transportation wants to thank the citizens of Washington and our colleagues in the public works industry for the outpouring of support for the family of Neal Richards, 42, an 11-year employee who was killed while clearing storm debris on US 101 in Clallam County on Thursday, Nov. 18.

A "Neal Richards Memorial Fund" has been set up at Bank of America – Washington. Contributions can be made at any branch.

“We appreciate the notes and words of encouragement from the public during this difficult time. We are tremendously saddened by Neal’s death. While we may never make sense of this tragic accident, I hope all of the WSDOT family will take a moment to remember Neal and his family during this Thanksgiving holiday,” said Paula Hammond, Washington Transportation Secretary.

Neal is survived by his parents, three brothers, his wife, two children and three step-children. He was preceded in death by his brother and his sister, who was a road crew flagger killed last year in highway construction work zone.

Neal’s funeral and memorial services, planned for Saturday, Nov. 28, are open to the public.

A procession begins at 11 a.m. from Drennan and Ford Funeral Home, 260 Monroe Road, Port Angeles and travels to the Sequim View Cemetery in Sequim. Graveside services will begin at noon at the Sequim View Cemetery, 1505 Sequim-Dungeness Way, Sequim.

Following the graveside service, a memorial will held at 2 p.m. at the Elks Lodge, 131 E. 1st Street, Port Angeles. A reception will follow.

The family advises that if you choose to send flowers, they may be sent to the Elks Lodge after 8 a.m. on Saturday Nov. 28 so they can be included in the memorial service. Delivery address is 131 E. 1st Street, Port Angeles, WA 98362. The funeral home will not be receiving flowers.