Adam Schiff: “I rise today to honor Amedee Richards, Jr., a treasured member of the South Pasadena community who died Thursday at the…”

“I rise today to honor Amedee Richards, Jr., a treasured member of the South Pasadena community who died Thursday at the age of 84. He was a great man who served for many years as mayor, councilman, and as a small business owner, and he will long be remembered for his influential leadership and the preservation of South Pasadena. Dick Richards was one of the first people I sought out years ago to get his advice on issues important to the city. He and I shared a background in law enforcement. He was an FBI agent, and I was a Federal prosecutor and we instantly hit it off. Over the years, I continued to turn to him and always valued his thoughtful counsel. He led many communities endeavors, founding the South Pasadena Relay For Life, serving as President of the Mission West Association, and later, as a founding member of the New South Pasadena Chamber of Commerce. With his wife, Clara, he also opened Family Fair, a gift and candy store, as well as Buster's Ice Cream and Coffee Shop, which both immediately became South Pasadena landmarks. He also helped to start the weekly Farmers' Market in the Mission West District. I want to express my sincere condolences to the entire family. Sadly, that tremendous family lost another member in the last few days. Dick's eldest son, Amedee III, passed away on Monday morning. My heart goes out to the entire Richards family, Dick's wife, Clara, two sons, six daughters and 15 grandchildren.…”