construction industry – is the most prestigious organization
of its kind in the world. Moles members are leaders in their
profession who are dedicated to promoting the industry and
supporting their colleagues through outreach programs and
networking opportunities.
Serving as partner-in-charge for 955 projects, Richards
specialized in the geotechnical aspects of design and construction
of foundations for hundreds of land and waterfront structures.
This included soil investigations, laboratory test interpretation,
establishing design criteria, foundation design and analysis of
foundation performance. Richards relished each feasibility study,
subsurface investigation and design he performed.
Notable projects he was involved in include the following:
• Empire State Plaza in Albany, N.Y.
• Allied-Signal Baltimore Works Remediation, a large project
in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor that is now site of the Harbor
Point Development
• Norfolk International Terminal in Norfolk, Va.
• Metro-North Annsville Creek Railroad Bridge Replacement in
Peekskill, N.Y.
Deming says Richards’ main business success was providing
quality services that supported a successful low risk outcome
for all.
“He made conservative design decisions to avoid increasing
risk in underground construction. He recognized that foundations
were ‘forever’ and should be simple and competent. His biggest
success was his reputation for trusted and thorough service. Elmer
had repeat clients and spent very little time pursuing projects.”
Deming is also quick to point out that some of Richards’
business philosophies included not invoicing for supplies or
equipment – only staff consulting hours – because the equipment
ownership supported engineer use and product quality.
“He maintained and grew the MRCE laboratory even though it
was only marginally profitable. He felt strongly that the quality of
information built MRCE’s reputation and project capability and
believed geotechnical decisions must be based on real data and
simple logic.”
A lasting legacy
A mentor to many engineers throughout the decades, colleagues
describe Richards as honest and capable above all.
“And perhaps even a little boring because he rarely ‘told tales,’”
smiled Deming. “Elmer recognized that each individual employee
had something to offer to the company and the individual project.
He sought out the best of each, to their ability, and expected
project teams to use available resources to accomplish work. He
also disliked complicated contracts. Under his leadership, the firm
developed a simple contract form which remains in use today.”
Deming also adds that following Richards’ lead, several
engineers – including himself –have filled the role of laboratory
manager for anywhere from three to eight years before moving to
other design and firm leadership responsibilities.
“The MRCE soil mechanics laboratory management role
provides a wealth of technical experience with a wide range of
soil materials – a solid foundation for geotechnical expertise. This
practice is still exercised today, and three of today’s principals had
this opportunity in their careers.”
Some of his favorite things
Richards enjoyed life to its fullest. Married to Susan, they raised
two sons, Peter and Andrew.
He loved to sail and was a leading member of a group that
raced the “Thistle,” which required a small crew. He owned several
Thistles and traveled long distances to attend races. Late in his
career, he purchased an antique wood Thistle – one of the first
made – out of historic sentiment. However, he found he never won
races with it and returned to one of his fiberglass boats to satisfy
his competitive nature.
“He started some of MRCE’s extracurricular activities, including
the annual picnic which he held in his Westchester home’s
backyard for many years, and the golf outing. Elmer enjoyed
parties held in the office (low cost and less trouble) and tried to be
less of a ‘boss’ at these times. He particularly enjoyed the annual
December holiday party, which he always attended in his Santa
hat,” said Deming.
One thing is for sure, Elmer Richards is missed by many. t
Elmer (front row, second from left) loved to golf in MRCE tournaments
Elmer (second from right) is presented with a Lifetime Achievement
Award for his more than 40 years of service to the industry. Following his
retirement in 1997, he continued as a consultant and technical specialist
for MRCE until his death.
Photos courtesy of MRCE Photos courtesy of MRCE
IN MEMORIAM
124 | ISSUE 2 2021 www.piledrivers.org