August 20, 1935 – February 25, 2026
It is with both deep sorrow and heartfelt gratitude for a life well lived that we announce the passing of our beloved Betty-Jean “BJ” Richmond (née Yeats) on February 25, 2026, at her home in Langley, British Columbia, surrounded by the love of her family. She was 90 years old.
BJ was born on August 20, 1935, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, to James and Elizabeth Yeats, the little sister in a lively household with three older brothers: Jack, Alex, and Andrew. At a young age, she made a personal commitment to follow Jesus Christ – a decision that guided the way she lived her life with faith, generosity, and deep care for others.
As a gifted young teacher, BJ moved with her widowed mother to Victoria, British Columbia. There she met and married Edward Richmond, building a life centered on family, faith, and community. Ed was her best friend for over 70 years, and their love and delight in each other was always apparent. Together they raised four children: Laura (Brian), Garth (Karen), Keith (Martha), and Janis (Paraskevas) who all went on to build families of their own. The Richmond family continued to grow over the years, with the addition of Langton and his family, and BJ and Ed affectionately referred to their ever-expanding clan as the “family tent.” It became a very large one. BJ was a proud grandmother to 20 grandchildren and great-grandmother to 9 great-grandchildren, all of whom she loved deeply.
Teaching was more than a career for BJ – it was a calling. Over many years in the classroom, she encouraged, challenged, and cared for countless students. Many stayed in touch long after graduation, a testament to the lasting impact she had on their lives. In recent days, messages have arrived from former students, friends, and colleagues from across the country and around the world – a testament to the lasting influence she had on so many lives.
BJ was also a beloved friend, neighbour, cousin, aunt, and confidant. She had a gift for making people feel welcome and accepted, and her home was often a gathering place for others. Having experienced what she described as God’s “love, acceptance, and forgiveness,” she spent her life extending that same grace to those around her. She was extraordinarily generous with her time, resources, and wise counsel. BJ noticed people, cared deeply about their needs, and willingly stepped in to help in ways that often went unseen. She had a remarkable ability to see joy in each day and in the people around her – a perspective that lifted and encouraged everyone fortunate enough to know her. BJ wanted everyone to know that, “God loves you fiercely.”
Our family is deeply grateful to Donna-Mae (Ed and BJ’s niece), as well as the Fraser Health nurses and care workers who supported BJ with compassion and helped make it possible for her to remain at home.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lifewater Canada, one of BJ’s favourite charities, which provides clean water to children in need.
BJ leaves behind a large and loving family and many friends who will miss her dearly. Her legacy of faith, generosity, and encouragement lives on in the generations gathered under her “family tent.”
“All my life, He has been faithful,
All my life, He has been so, so good.
With every breath that I am able,
I will sing of the goodness of God.”
