KINGSTON — William G. Richards Jr. (“Beeze”) passed away peacefully on Aug. 18.

He was 78.

Beeze was born in Prosser on Jan. 31, 1936. He graduated from Prosser High School in 1954 and attended the University of Washington, where he received a B.A. in chemistry in 1959 and a doctorate of dental surgery in 1963.

Beeze rowed as a member of UW’s crew; after graduation, he coached the Green Lake High School four-oared wing team to a gold medal at the 1959 Pan American Games. He taught for two years at the UW Dental School and served in the U.S. Navy at Camp Pendleton for two years.

In 1965, he moved to Gig Harbor, where he set up his dental practice. He was a Sunday School teacher at St. John’s Episcopal Church, Gig Harbor. He later retired to Kingston, where he was active at Redeemer United Methodist Church.

He enjoyed golf, fishing, hunting, and Husky sports. He taught his family to tell the truth, love God, keep a sense of humor, brush their teeth, and keep family first.

He is survived by his wife, Jan; daughter, Tracy (Greg) Fisher; son, Buzz Richards; stepdaughter, Jillian (Brad) Rutherford; stepson, Tim Pennell; grandchildren, Brooke, Mason, Jeremy, Chase, Kenzie, Terefa and Talis; and sister, Ann (Fred) Zylstra.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Tara; and brothers, Dick of Camarillo, Calif., and Mike of Seattle.

Celebration of life is scheduled for Sept. 2, 1 p.m., at St. John’s in Gig Harbor. Memorial service is scheduled for Sept. 4, 11 a.m. at Redeemer in Kingston. Sign the online guestbook at www.havenofrest.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations are preferred to the Michael J. Fox Foundation, UW Athletic Association/Crew, or Franciscan Hospice in Tacoma.

— Family of William G. Richards Jr.