Obituary of Richard Robards

Richard (Dick) Robards was welcomed by the Lord on April 8, 2023.

Dick was born November 2, 1944, in Waukegan, Illinois to Archie and Julia (Walther) Robards. He attended North Chicago High School, graduating in 1962. After high school, he attended the North Dakota School of Forestry, where he was a member of the wrestling team, and earned an associate degree. During college, he worked summers at Johnson Motors. After college he started at Johnsons full time, eventually serving an apprenticeship, and earning his journeyman’s card as a tool maker. While he was in college, Dick started learning to sky dive in order to fight forest fires. His skydiving instructor introduced him to a lovely young lady named Judy. They fell in love and married in May of 1966. Dick left for bootcamp 15 days later, having been drafted into the Army. Dick and Judy had three children: Matthew (Mary) Robards, Douglas (Shawn) Robards, and Jodie (Chuck) Skow.

Dick was always active. In addition to working full time, throughout the years he enjoyed other endeavors, such as being a part time police officer, limo driver, beer brewer, motorcycle rider, and SCUBA diver. Dick also enjoyed volunteering at CTCA, was a proud member of the Kenosha Area Pipes and Drums Association, and perhaps his favorite, being a Volunteer Firefighter, Public Safety Dive Master and EMT for the village of Winthrop Harbor.  His dedication to the village included serving as a trustee on the village board for 20 years. He will be remembered as a man with a strong work ethic, who never shied away from trying new things, and was always quick to make friends. He will be missed, but never, ever forgotten.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Archie and Julia and his in laws, Kenneth and Marion Nelson. 

Dick is survived by his sisters, Donna Van Doorne and Ina McInnes; wife, Judy (Nelson) Robards; his three children, Matthew (Mary) Robards, Douglas (Shawn)Robards and Jodie (Chuck) Skow; 8 grand-children, and 4 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held Friday April 14, 2023 at Memorial United Methodist Church from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. followed by a memorial service at 12:00 p.m. at Memorial United Methodist Church 2935 Sheridan Road, Zion Illinois, 60099.