Grateful to have had the privilege of having Mark as a friend; grateful to have the Richardson family and circle of friends enrich the Bolstad family’s life  experience; and still feeling mostly disbelief that Mark is so suddenly gone. Inexpressibly sad that the rest of us will be denied Mark’s presence in our lives, and Mark has been denied his golden years: how richly lived they’d have been… Can only focus now on how richly lived his 59 years were. What I’ll remember most is Mark’s self-confidence. He was the most confident person I ever knew. He knew he was going to get that “next job” he had applied for… and he got it. And he knew he’d be great at it… and he was! Every time… To conclude on a light note, I’ll say this: I’m a little angry that now I’ll never get another chance to beat that MF’er at golf! I could play every day for three months and Mark could take three months off; and if we’d play then, he’d get me- every time. When I line up a six-foot putt for birdie, I’m thinking of all the different ways I might miss. Not Mark: he knew his putt was going in the hole; and it did… every time! 😊

Here’s to confidence! 

Here’s to Mark!

Gonna miss him a lot…

One of the things I adored about  Mark is how he LOVED Kel and his family.  Family was always his FIRST for Mark.  He adored Kel making comments: “Isn’t my wife beautiful Jilly?” He would speak with pride about HER intelligence, beauty and HER sense of humor. He was a great example to his boys on how to be a loving spouse. He loved his children with ALL his heart. He enjoyed spending time with his parents, Pat and Steve. He always made every situation funny with his loving yet intelligent and quick witted sense of humor. Once he retired he would send me pics while I was at work: taking Kel for a beach picnic in Butters or enjoying a cocktail at Schonners at sunset. I treasure those texts now. I see Mark’s strength, love and wonderful sense of humor in Kel and the boys as they navigate their unbearable loss. Thank you for your love Mark and always making me laugh…hard. I miss you every single day and always will. Love, Jilly

In June of this year, I got to visit my Uncle Mark, Aunt Kelly and Uncle Kevin in Morro Bay. We spent the morning going to breakfast and having a tour de Morro Bay in Butters. Mark took us all around while we reminisced and he told us about the town. Morro Bay was really showing off that day. It was so fun, Mark was truly in his element. I’ll always think so fondly of the time we got to spend together on that overcast day. 

I had the chance to talk with Mark on several occasions when coaching on the road from SMHS to Morro Bay High School.  He came to  games on the road, I  coached 3rd base and Mark would stand next to the fence near me and would engage me between innings and during lulls in the game. He would stay until the end of the games as we were trying to make the playoffs for the first time in over a decade. 

 My Dad taught at MBHS and would come from Templeton, they (Mark and my Dad) talked baseball and life as they took in the game. I have very fond memories of Mark.  I extend my condolences to Mark's family.  He was a great man. 

 2 Corinthians 1:3-5.

Mark was a great man who, along with the rest of the Richardson family, always treated me like I was family. Everytime I walked in the door he would say “What’s up E?” He was intelligent, fair, and had a great sense of humor. I remember plenty of words/phrases that were introduced to my ears for the first time by Mark (nothing bad), some that I still use today. 

Such as the phrase “poked em’ in the eye”, which is what he said after he somehow navigated his way around miles of freeway traffic (utilizing dirt roads and off-ramps), on our way back from a football camp in Utah.

I’m thankful to have had the opportunity to know Mark and I will always appreciate him and Kelly for being so great to me growing up, and Vaughn and Val for being like my brothers. 

I owe the majority of my educational career to Mark as he was a great boss and mentor over many years.  Career issues aside, more importantly, Mark was an even better friend.  I could never honestly tally up the times I went to him for advice and direction, and no matter how busy he and his schedule was, whatever I asked him about, it was the most important topic ever!  A genuine friend who’s listening skills were almost as good as his story telling talents.  Golfing and road trips where my face and stomach both ache from so much laughing and smiling so much to the out of the blue text that would make me laugh out loud, usually when I needed it the most.  All my best to Kelly and the family.

Just checking on us to see how PV was doing

Mark is one of the best people I have ever known. His infectious energy and passion for students helped motivate and drive me through some of the tougher trials and tribulations of the profession, and he holds a very special place in the hearts of Delta staff and students. This picture just embodies the love and spirit Mark brought to campus every time he would visit. He always supported those who believed they could make a difference, and in doing so, HE made the biggest difference in the lives of so many children. I will forever cherish all the guidance and support and genuine respect he generously gave to me. He was my mentor and my friend, and I am just proud to have been a small part of his amazing life.  

Delta Graduation

To the Richardson family,  I was so saddened to hear about Mr. Richardson. I am a teacher at Righetti and I enjoyed chatting with him at our "Taco Tuesdays" or when I would see him at the District Office. Always had a smile and a hello for me and we were close in our Baby Boomer birthdays! My sincerest condolences. 

Mark lit up any room or conversation he was in, whether intentional or not. That's just who he was. He had the unique ability to encourage, motivate, and bring laughter to almost any situation. Maybe his strongest attribute was he said what needed to be said in almost every situation imaginable. I greatly miss him now, and will for the remainder of my life....

Fabulous day in Carmel

I had the most fun with Mark everyday, because everyday he would make me laugh.

Hanging out with ‘Butters’