Dr. William J. Richardson, NCU honored professor of church history and Christian Ministry, passed away June 6, 2010 in Portland, Oregon. Dr. Richardson was one of the inaugural members of the NCU Athletics Hall of Fame.
Dr. Richardson, a 1943 graduate of Northwest Christian, served for 31 years from 1947-78 as professor of history and New Testament before accepting a teaching position at Emmanuel School of Religion in Johnson City, Tennessee in 1978.
He retired in 1988 and returned to the Northwest. While at NCU, Dr. Richardson distinguished himself as a teacher, scholar, preacher, and church leader. Teaching was his life and ministry but he also found time to serve many churches in interim ministries.
Dr. Richardson is considered to be the father of athletics at Northwest Christian College. He served as the first Faculty Athletic Representative and was the driving force behind starting an intercollegiate men's basketball program in the fall of 1959. He also founded the Willamette Christian College Conference and, throughout his career, was one of the biggest supporters of athletics, even driving team cars for away games.
Dr. Richardson is survived by his three sons Steve, Mark, and John.