Randall Richardson Koops

Randall Thomas Richardson Koops, 75, beloved father, grandfather, and friend, passed away on October 20, 2020, after a long illness. He was a resident of Palm Springs. Randall was born on April 2, 1945 in Colorado. He lead an interesting life, graced by a brilliant mind, a spirit of adventure, a love of performing and listening to music, a strange sense of humor, great generosity, and community-mindedness.

Randall served as a lance corporal in the United States Marines, completing preflight and primary flight training and selecting jets before he suffered a career-ending car accident. In civilian life, he held advanced degrees in chemistry and nursing. He had several careers, including chemical engineering, sales, nursing, and medical research. He lived in many places, including Minneapolis, Pensacola, Baton Rouge, and Novato.

Before his illness, he was active in the Palm Springs Catholic community as a music minister, a homeless outreach minister, and an anti-hunger outreach minister. He was also a docent at the Palm Springs Air Museum, regaling visitors with stories of the aircraft and the people who flew them. He loved to travel the world and exploring the state and national parks of California and the American West. He spoke at least a little of several languages, including German, Spanish, Russian, Latin, and Hebrew. He loved to read extensively about science and religion.

Randall is preceded in death by his beloved adoptive father, Gerrit Koops; wife, Sondra Robertson Richardson; partner, David Woerner; birth father, Donald Thomas Richardson, birth mother, Raymona Lillian Fisher Richardson Ellsworth; stepfather, Fred Ellsworth; brothers, Rodney and Reginald Richardson; and many dear friends and beloved dogs.

He is survived by his son, Trent Thomas Richardson and daughter-in-law, Lisa Wong Richardson; daughter Tara Richardson Leibert and son-in-law Kirk Leibert; grandchildren Curran, Trevor, Brendan, Gavin, Zoe, Luke, and Kate; brother Robert Richardson; and nephews and nieces as well as many wonderful friends across the country. Arrangements are made by Forest Lawn, Cathedral City.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Randall's name to St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Church in Palm Springs (2800 E Ramon Rd, Palm Springs, CA 92264; sttheresaps.com) or to Palm Springs Animal Shelter (4575 E. Mesquite Ave., Palm Springs, CA 92264; psanimalshelter.org)