John Lindsay Richards Jr.'s Obituary
John Lindsay Richards Jr., 69, passed away on February 26th, 2024 in Honolulu, Hawaii, after a brief illness, surrounded by his loving family, who provided comfort and reassurance as he peacefully passed.
John was a force of nature, a Peaceful Warrior. He brought people together with his quick wit, infectious positive attitude and hilarious storytelling. Our own lives were made better by the simple presence of his life among us. Memories of John will be forever cherished.
John was born on August 17th 1954 to John & Leora "Brooks' Richards in Louisville Ky. John's passion for music blossomed early as a choir boy at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, singing alongside his siblings in the place where their parents met and married. He attended Atherton High School, where the obsession of being in a band was the order of the day. John started on a guitar that his mother bought him when he was 15, but playing the bass guitar became his calling. His nickname was Spanky, for the way he would spank the strings when he played. The sounds of repetitive rock n' roll cover tunes coming from the basement or garage permeated through the house (not to mention the ears of a few irate neighbors). His bands included The Electronic Liberation Front, Lighter Side of Darkness, Beowulf, America's Children, Wild Honey and City Lites. They had various adventures, including VFW Halls, Ft. Knox, Proms, & Battle of the Bands. Many of those "boys in the bands" remained good friends long after they disbanded, and some are still playing to this day.
When they grew weary of playing one-nighters, John's musical journey with his bandmates led to the opening of City Lights nightclub in Louisville, which became a renowned venue for music and dancing in the early eighties. The band at this time - City Lites - won the Regional Rock to Riches Band Battle in 1983. Lifelong friendships were formed at this time. No one should have that much fun at work.
In 1985 They moved to Los Angeles, experiencing the vibrant West Coast music scene. It was there John met his future wife, Heidi Gieseke, as he played the Red Onion restaurant chain circuit. They later wed in Joshua Tree as the sun set.
Returning to Louisville in 1988 John pursued his passion for cooking at Sullivan University, using his creative spirit and dedication to earn several degrees in the culinary arts including Certified Pastry Chef, and later a master's in business administration. In 1995 he opened his restaurant Zephyr Cove which featured live music from his band Stages, wild game dishes, and creative desserts. He later opened Kentucky Cove at the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts, Cove Catering, and Courtyard Cafe.
John always seemed to have an itch he had to scratch, so in 2009 he moved his family to Miami, where he built and opened the Miami Culinary Institute & the International Hospitality Center at Miami Dade College. He later became director of the MDC Culinary Institute.
In 2015, when his job in Miami was complete, that itch took him to Honolulu where he and his family found their forever home. He was truly happy there. At Kapi'olani Community College, he served as dean of culinary arts, hospitality, tourism, paralegal, and IT departments. He championed the innovative professional training program, Culinarium, using cooking competitions to enhance culinary skills and cultivate camaraderie & collaboration among the students.
The Chancellor of the College stated, "The campus remembers him as a kind, compassionate and supportive leader who was always willing to listen to diverse points of view." His work culminated into a PhotoCon event on campus, spearheaded by him and his partner, Ric Noyle.
John's love for music never waned, and he formed a band in Honolulu, along with his good friend Keith Montross, filling his home once again with the sweet sounds of band practice. He also produced and performed in "Coolin'aire, a Culinary Jazz Odyssey," combining his two passions into a unique artistic expression. It was covered by the Honolulu star-advertiser as well as the University of Hawaii. You can see more on the Coolin'aire Facebook page.
John is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, Heidi Richards; daughters Cristina, Lara, and Sedona Richards; grandson Lucas Fresquet; brother William Richards (Becky, with children Max & Ali Richards, & Kacie & Maddie Marshall); sister Jane Richards (with children Brooks and William Vessels); sister Nancy Richards; Uncle William N. Lucas; step sisters Brooke Pardue (Tom), and Elizabeth Spalding (Jon); and David Spalding, his close friend for 64 years. He is preceded in death by his parents, Leora Lucas "Brooks" Richards, John Lindsay Richards Sr., and stepmother Anita Perry Richards.
John's legacy lives on in the memories and stories shared by those whose lives he touched.
As he would advise us all to do as we grieve, "Pull down your pants and slide on the ice."
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