Daniel "Dan" Richmond's Obituary
Daniel Bruce Richmond, 69, of Frederick, Maryland, passed away on September 26, 2025, surrounded by his loving family, following a brutal assault from cancer.
Dan was born in Ashland, Ohio, to John E. (Jack) and Eleanor Patterson Richmond. The family lived in Hayesville before moving to Cincinnati, then Charleston, West Virginia, and later Wheeling, West Virginia. He graduated from John Marshall High School in Glendale, WV — with probably okay grades — and went on to earn a Master’s degree in Music Education from West Virginia University. He loved watching the WVU football team play... though he didn’t always love how they played.
Dan had a lifelong passion for music and teaching. He served as band director at Linganore High School in Frederick for 10 years and spent the rest of his 32-year teaching career at Oakland Mills High School in Columbia. His peers enjoyed watching him conduct, mostly because it was the only time they saw his hair move. He played French horn in several ensembles throughout his life — and yes, all the rumors about horn players are true. He also taught ukulele lessons to homeschooled students. Dan was a natural teacher, known for his gift of breaking things down into steps, gently guiding and encouraging those around him — a quality that extended far beyond the classroom. That same calm patience was evident in the loving care he gave to both his and Laurey’s parents in their later years.
In retirement, Dan taught himself woodworking and found great joy in making gifts for others. He enjoyed golfing (especially when he was playing well), and he collected stamps, postcards, comic books, and vintage toys. A lifelong cat whisperer, his best buddy at home was Floopy — a very silly and oddly entertaining cat Dan named for his ever-present grace and poise.
Dan was an amazing dad, and his kids were his pride and joy. “Best thing I ever did,” he often said. Marc shares his dry, sharp sense of humor, while Cathryn inherited his love of the stars. His daughter-in-law Sophie summed it up best: “He was the best father-in-law anyone could ever possibly have.”
Dan is survived by his wife of 43 years, Laurey Wilcox Richmond; his son Marc (Sophie) Richmond; his daughter Cathryn Richmond; his brothers Douglas (Catherine) Richmond and John (Karen) Richmond; his sister Elaine (Robert) Campbell; his cousins Scott (Jean) Patterson, Bonnie Patterson, Kelly (Bill) Paulson, Karen (Dan) O’Brien; many beloved nieces and nephews; and one grandniece.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John E. (Jack) and Eleanor Richmond. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Kidney Cancer Association.
Dan’s final message to everyone: “So long, and thanks for all the fish.”
In honor of Dan’s enjoyment of novelty t-shirts, we encourage everyone to wear a shirt with a saying on it that evokes a smile, eye roll, or even better, a smirk. Clean, wholesome themes, of course. No politics or nastiness. That’s not fun. Dan was fun, and loved clever humor.
*******************Hotel Suggestions *******************
Closest, nicest, and of course, most expensive: SpringHill Suites Frederick by Marriott 111 Byte Dr / Frederick, MD 21702 T: (301) 835-0111 Website: http://www.marriott.com/wasfk Specify DRFS Group and the code specifying type of room. They have plenty of rooms for Sunday night. For just Sunday, reserving online is fine. When making reservations on the Marriott website use the special code BRVM (king ) & BRVN (2 queen). If you also want Saturday, rooms are limited, so call (ASAP) the hotel directly (301) 835-0111. Rates: Saturday is $199 for king (BRVM code) and $209 for 2 queen beds (BRVN). Sunday is King (BRVM) $127, Queen (BRVN) for $135. Less convenient, but less expensive and in a safe area close to highways: Country Inn & Suites by Radisson 5579 Spectrum Drive Frederick,MD 21703 T: (301) 695-2881 F: (301) 695-7639 Website: http://choicehotels.com/country-inn-suites (General hotel link) Rate: $107.67 per night Use this link to make reservation: https://www.choicehotels.com/reservations/groups/ZS85Q7 Reserve before end of day 10/6/2025. Less convenient, but easy in and out, less expensive Comfort Inn -Red Horse Frederick 998 W. Patrick Street Frederick,MD 21703 T: (301) 662-0281 F: (301) 694-7263 Website: https://www.choicehotels.com/maryland/frederick/comfort-inn-hotels/md164?mc=llgoxxpx Rate: How $92.34 per night ID: 8333355 (mention this when calling in)
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