[Seattle Go Center] Our cherished friend, John Richards, has passed away

Dear members,

We have received the sad news that our long-time member and teacher John Richards (“JahnBoi”) passed away peaceably and comfortably at Harborview Medical Center on Sunday, Aug. 7^th. He was 80 years old.

John had been hospitalized in mid-March with kidney problems. There, he also had surgery for his recurring back problems. He was in convalescent settings until late July, when he returned to the hospital with respiratory issues. We will miss him greatly.

John would often say that he found his calling in life in his 60s, teaching Go. He was an outgoing and enthusiastic teacher of beginners at the Go Center and also held court at the Couth Buzzard Bookstore and Café on Thursday evenings. He enjoyed being silly with children, and was quick to make friends with all. Many of our new players got their start with John.

In the days before COVID, John was also a mainstay of our outreach efforts, putting in marathon hours of teaching and playing at Sakura Con, the Cherry Blossom Festival, University Street Fair, Japan Fair, and the Bon Odori festival.

We are happy that John was able to come to the Go Center regularly throughout the fall of last year. His conversations were funny and wide-ranging.

If you would like information on the memorial expected to be held by his family and friends in the coming weeks, or the remembrance we would like to have at the SGC, please reach out to us for details.

Here are just a few of our favorite “JahnBoi-isms”, always said in a friendly tone:

- "That's it, you/I forfeit!" after someone knocked stones out of place, inadvertently cheated, or was late...all while almost always playing to the dogged end.

- "Wait! Don’t you know the rules? You can’t beat Sensei!”

- "That's a good move...but this one's better!"

- "SAN-SAAAAN!" Gleefully cheered accompanying a 3-3 invasion.

If you have memories with John or condolences you'd like to share for posting on our website, please send them in a reply e-mail.