David B. Richards, a longtime hydrological engineer with the federal government, a groundwater hydrology educator, and life member of ASCE has died. He was 90.
Richards, P.E., F.ASCE, was dedicated to learning and service. For 30 years he was subdistrict chief and supervisory hydrologist for the U.S. Geological Survey Water Resources Division in Pittsburgh, retiring in 1996. Afterward he continued sharing what he knew in groundwater hydrology as an adjunct professor at the University of Pittsburgh.
Richards earned a bachelor’s degree in engineering and a master’s degree in soils engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York, and a second master’s degree in engineering geology from the Colorado School of Mines in Golden, Colorado.
He began his career with the USGS in Lakewood, Colorado, then was assigned to the Federal Flood Insurance program in Lawrence, Kansas.
Beyond work Richards enjoyed mentoring and inspiring youth as an active Boy Scout merit badge counselor and served as a Scout council leader. He received multiple accolades in recognition of his service to the Boy Scouts.
