Back when Mark was a youngster in his early thirties he started teaching and coaching at Foothill. Everyone was excited about his brilliant mind and comprehensive athletic background. He was larger than life for sure. One June we all met Kelly and Mark across the street at those house for some pre graduation fun. As we walked across the grass to the stadium he made a remark we’ve all talked about a thousand times. “By the time I’m 40 I’ll be a superintendent somewhere.” And so it was that he fulfilled his dream and taught us all about seeking our dreams and living with passion. Thank you Mark. Love you Kelly.
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I first met Dr. Richardson when I was brought on as an assistant principal at Santa Maria Joint Union High School District. Working with him was an exceptional experience. He was so very supportive, kind, and always there to ask, “How are things going, Les?” He soon became my cohort mentor for my Doctoral program through Brandman University. We spent many Saturdays together, immersions every quarter down in Irvine for two years (which he absolutely hated by the way); however, he was always there to motivate and ensure we were keeping the pace, our little team of four.
In my last few years of working with Mark, he continued to be very caring and concerned for my ability to continue the mission of the district and personal endeavors through my educational goals. His famous saying, I’ll never forget, is “Geter Done!” I’m sure everyone who knows Mark misses him dearly, especially his family, whom he loved immensely. I find comfort in knowing, God only takes the good ones unexpectedly! Take care, and thank you for the opportunity to share.
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1981, Bakersfield College, Panorama Drive, Bakersfield, CA, USA
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“Love is an action. Never simply a feeling” —bell hooks
Mark demonstrated his love of others every day through his actions as well as his genuine kindness in spirit. I am honored to have worked closely with him to promote excellence in public education to serve the students and families in Santa Maria. And I am joyful that he was my friend. Mark’s bright light shines on.
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My golf coach in high school. He was the best. Took me to Luigi’s for the first time before my first valley championship tourney as a freshmen.
Would always drive the old station wagon with wood panels the school had as a vehicle. We called it the beast and we would cruise through the softball diamonds when the high school girls had games with the windows down bumping rap music.
He was my favorite coach and teacher. He will be missed.
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My condolences to Mark's family. I enjoyed getting to know and working with Mark as a neighboring Superintendent of Schools. He was a huge champion of meeting the needs of students.
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I am so sorry to hear of Mark’s passing. My deepest condolences to his wife and family, as well as to my Aunt Pat, Uncle Steve and Kevin.
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Early in my time working with Mark & before I knew him really well, I attended a meeting in his office. I was happily sipping a perfectly doctored cup of coffee across the desk from him. Midway through a sip, I involuntarily coughed, spewing coffee across the desk & all over Mark’s face, splattering him & his glasses with my concoction. I was mortified & panicked. Mark jumped to his feet & grabbed a wad of tissues to begin mopping up the mess. He wiped his glasses & licked his lips. I will never forget what he said next. “Damn girl! Was that mocha?” I lost it! He refused to let me take myself too seriously! Once I sent him an email explaining an interaction with a parent. Mark replied with this: “Too many words!” I learned I had to say everything succinctly. I loved watching Mark care for his family. There was never a doubt that he was completely devoted to each of them. His dedication to helping Kelly fight for her health was truly what I most appreciated about him. He will be sorely missed!
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Dear World,
You lost a great one, but I am sure heaven gained him.
Mark was Mark and there was no one that could compare. He was a great father to his kids, friend, mentor and he loved his wife Kelly tremendously. Every Sunday for the past year that I would visit Mark & Kelly, he would be out working on Butters, the Westfalia, fully customized by Mark. He knew that car down to every wire and bracket. That was Mark , strong work ethic with great results in everything he dabbled in. Mark was perfectly content with his beautiful wife by his side and driving Butters up and down the coast. He would always say " this is the simple good life". In the the past 12 years I have known Mark, I never once heard him complain or be negative. He didn't allow it around him, and if it was around him he was quick to add laughter and humor to the situation and divert the negativity. He was the type of mentor/boss that naturally just made you want to be a better person and a harder worker. I am honored to have known Mark. I think we can all agree we are better and happier people for having known him.
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Hello,
I wanted to share that I didn't spend a lot of time with Mark, but the time I spent, he made an impression on me. As the Head Football Coach at Santa Maria High School, I was always glad to see Mark on our sideline watching the game. Although he could have gone to any other high school games, he chose our games and this was before we started winning. As a long time Coach in our School District, it was awesome to witness Mark our Superintendent come in and make a difference in Athletics. It wasn't just by chance that Santa Maria High School Athletics changed during the time Mark became the Superintendent. Mark understood how important Athletics were in connection to the Academic world. Mark was down to earth and easy to approach. He was honest and direct and I respected Mark for his professionalism. Although he was my boss, he never talked down to me. I only spent a short time with Mark, but in that short time, I felt his friendship. I am sorry for your loss.
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Kelly,
Words cannot truly express how sad I am regarding Mark's passing. I first met the two of you in 1998 when Mark and I worked together at North High School. He immediately fell in love with Oildale kids helping them to be the best they could be. As we planned programs to support the kids and teachers, Mark always kept the conversations funny and lively! He implemented programs to help kids achieve to the best of their ability. Not bad for an old football coach and quarterback!
I knew we were ready for something new when Mark's eyes lit up and he would say, "Schaefe, I have an idea." He had so many ideas that we knew would work. If they didn't work, he would often say, "What are they going to do, fire us?" Fortunately, we never got fired.
When you were diagnosed with MS, he would often say, "Kell is going to be okay because I am going to support her." He loved everything about you.
After you moved to the coast, we would still have our phone calls when we would discuss work issues and then always discuss the "glory days of Oildale." He would often say, "Let's go back to Oildale and have some fun." He always had his students at the forefront of his thoughts. We would discuss ways for poor kids to go to college or get good jobs to support their family.
I will miss our conversations and the laughter.
Bryon
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