RICHAU, Lavio

Lavio Richau. On March 6, 1931, Lavio Richau was sent to Earth on the cold wintry prairie of Western North Dakota. Lavio was a unique spirit who God sent to spread love and laughter wherever he went. He entertained without trying and he lifted others without knowing. His family was his hallmark. At the age of sixteen, he married his life partner and soul mate, Jan, on September 13, 1947. In 1949 Lavio and Jan chose Billings, Montana as their home and began to raise multiple generations of loving children and as many animals as he could smuggle into the house. Lavio came to Arizona to bask in the sun in the 80's and never missed one day of northern weather. Lavio was a gifted craftsman with many talents and will always be remembered for his pride in a job perfectly done. He loved to make us laugh. Imagine his surprise when a swiftly moving cancer overtook him at age 72. He went to meet our Lord on June 8, 2003 surrounded by loving family and the support of his church home. A memorial service will be held at the New Hope Church, Thursday, June 12, at 3:00. Any desired memorial gifts may be directed to the church, New Hope Church, 9365 South McKemy Street, Suite 103, Tempe, Arizona, 85284. Published in The Arizona Republic on 6/11/2003.