You will see friendship material the minute you have a conversation with Louise - and she is a true and loyal friend to many. When asked what she looked for in a friend, Louise replied: “My friends are one of my greatest blessings in life and each one is so different yet fills such an important part of me. I don’t like pettiness, so someone who is genuine is very important. I want a friend to be someone I can look up to and who will hold me accountable to a higher standard. Of course, compassion with a good dose of humor is always good.”
Louise is a 6th generation Coloradoan and her roots run deep. Her father’s family settled here when Colorado was still a territory. On her mother’s side of the family, they come from Norway (hence the beautiful blonde hair); and Louise and her sister are the only two born outside of Norway. The rest of the family still lives there.
Although she says she’s shy, Louise is always present at charitable events lending a hand or signing up to fill Christmas stockings for children without permanent homes. In fact, Louise has been fundraising and contributing to numerous non-profits since 1986.
Aside from their commitment to the community, Louise and her husband, Scott, a firefighter, are invested in each other and devoted to their gorgeous children. Louise feels that one of the biggest problems we have in our country today is the breakdown of the family. With concern she says: “Kids are growing up not knowing the safety and stability of unconditional love and support. We treat marriage and family as something disposable. Kids are getting into trouble, and we are becoming a nation of irresponsible adults. We have lost the cohesiveness of a family unit and have become self centered.”
The Richardson’s are totally present, and in the here and now; and they have a deep love of country. Louise and Scott Richardson are always ready to do their part as citizens - and through their actions - strive to help make the world a better and safer place for everyone.
What non-profit organizations are you involved with at this time? I am currently involved with the Denver Center Alliance, the Brass Ring Luncheon, the Fine Arts Foundation, the Little Hearts Luncheon, and VOA’s Western Fantasy.
What event have you been to that you would consider the “gold standard” of events? The Children’s Hospital Gala – it’s consistently provides for an unforgettable evening. Their staff is so talented at event planning that the event nearly always goes off without a glitch, at least that an attendee would know about. Saturday Night Alive and Western Fantasy are up there as well – those are two events that are our favorite events, never to be missed if possible.
What would be your dream get-a-way? I love cruising, so a cruise around the world with Scott, with the opportunity to really explore exotic destinations and cultures. We try to travel every couple of months and I can’t think of anything better than experiencing new places and cultures for the first time.
What’s the best advice someone ever gave you? Gail Johnson once told me that there are two kinds of people – those that energize you and those that drain you; the choice is up to you. I think about that often with the choices I make in my life and who I want to be.
What is something no one knows about you? I am painfully shy. If I am in my “comfort zone” it’s not so bad but a room full of strangers it really tough for me. It’s funny though because I am not afraid of public speaking but would rather speak to a group of 700 than an intimate group of 70.
Who is the most interesting person you have ever met? My father – he is 83 years old, a 27 year Marine Corp veteran who was in WWII, Korea, Vietnam and is the most educated person I have ever met. He is a walking talking history book and has wisdom and insight I have come to trust unconditionally. He has lived all over the world, made acquaintance with some of the most interesting and often notorious people in recent history and has truly been one of those people that have changed the world – he made a difference.
Is there a magazine you just can’t live without and look forward to reading each month? Town & Country – I have read it for decades and love the human interest stories, the exotic travels, the arts write-ups, and the “exposure” to so much that I might not otherwise ever know about.
If you knew then what you know now, how would your life be different? There is one thing specifically that I would change and that is I would love to have met my husband Scott early. He is truly the love of my life and I would have enjoyed sharing all of my life’s experiences with him. Otherwise, it would probably be the same. I believe that everything is a building block to whom you are supposed to be – good and bad.
Aside from your family, what do you consider your greatest achievement? My education. I am very proud of my degree. I hold education as one of the highest accomplishment a person can make; it is the single largest deciding factor in your life’s path. I must add though that hands down my family is my pride and joy. Why do you get out there and support so many different causes? I know it’s a cliché but I believe in the obligation to give back. I have a very blessed life and it would be irresponsible and selfish not to give back when I have been given so much. I love our community and the people in our community. We have one of the most generous groups of people of any city living here. They are so generous not only with their time and resources but with their hearts. My best friends are people I have met through fundraising and they are the highest quality people you can imagine. My mother was a fundraiser so it has always been apart of my sister and me, it was a way of being a part of a community.
What will we find you doing on a Saturday afternoon? Hanging out with family or at the movie theater.
What would you still like to learn how to do? I would love to go back to school and get a degree in Art History. Golf - I have taken more lessons and for the life of me cannot seem to get the hang of it.
Is there a quote or a saying that has helped guide you through life? “Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again – my Savior and my God!” Psalms 42:11 You can’t imagine what that has gotten me through.
What one word describes you best? Optimistic!
What’s in the future for Louise Richardson? With four teenagers, my future is truly day-by-day. After I raise them, see them through college and they become responsible adults I will refocus on my future. Beyond that, I hope it will include a lot of travel, continued community involvement, a lot of time with family and friends and a few grandchildren.
How would you like to be remembered? I would like to be remembered as someone who was kind and who was there for people when they need anything. I would like to be remembered as a good wife, a good mother, a good daughter and a good friend.
