Remembering Mr. Albert

BY ISABELLE RUTLAND '24, Layout Editor

With a hearty “hey, hey, hey, how are you today?” and a sunny smile, he spread joy across our campus. The entire Bayside community is mourning the loss of Mr. Albert Richardson, who passed away unexpectedly on Sept. 4, 2022. Mr. Albert, who worked on Bayside’s maintenance team for eight years, retired in May of this year at the age of 80. From the dinosaurs on his golf cart to his trademark phrases, our dear memories of Mr. Albert show just how much his light and enthusiasm will be missed.

BA Today asked the Bayside faculty to share any words, memories, or thoughts about our beloved Mr. Albert. Many reflected on his iconic greeting: “Hey, hey, hey!” As Upper School teacher River Lotus wrote, “Mr. Albert always had a kind ‘hey, hey, hey ’ to share each day. He would take the time to have a cup of tea and talk story with me once a week. He was a wonderful being filled with positivity. I am honored to have known and shared space with Mr. Albert. ” Perhaps the first thing that comes to mind when remembering Mr. Albert is the perpetual cheer he spread with his catchphrases. Third grade teacher Kristin Neely shared, “Whenever I would say hello to Mr. Albert, he would always respond ‘Hey, hey, hey, how are you today?’ I can still hear his voice saying that to me. He was always willing to do whatever needed to be done around campus and is truly missed. ” When asked himself how he was doing, Mr. Albert’s eternal response was “A-OK. ” Rain or shine, his positivity was something to be admired; as Director of College Counseling Ellen Blackwell remarked, “I loved how no matter what was going on, he was always 'A-OK!’” We all have something to learn from Mr. Albert’s unflappable, upbeat approach to life.

Mr. Albert was an essential part of Bayside behind the scenes, and his contributions did not go unnoticed. Shoppe on the Bluff Manager Coby Mackin shared a story that perfectly illustrates Mr. Albert’s character. “Every year all the ladies in our building received Christmas gifts the day we left for break. They just appeared on our desks with no note. We figured out it was Mr. Albert and were so touched that he thought of each one of us (all gifts were different) and just

“I loved how no matter what was going on, he was always A-OK!”

Mr. Albert poses as the king of Mardi Gras. [T. Houser]

wanted to spread some cheer without any recognition. ” Mr. Albert’s generosity extended beyond gift-giving, as he was always willing to lend a helping hand, whether cleaning up around the White House or helping deliver boxes. With a true love for our school and community, Mr. Albert went above and beyond to make Bayside a better place.

Mr. Albert's absence is especially deeply by the maintenance team from which he retired. Leonard Dawkins reflected on the time he spent being trained for Mr. Albert’s position and the responsibilities passed on to him. “Mr. Albert trained me for his spot as he was to retire over the summer. He was very happy-go-lucky. Always rhymed his quotes: ‘Hey, hey, hey, how are you doing today. ’ Also while riding on the green golf cart, when we would come to a stop, he would yell ‘ yee-haw. ’ Man, that would put a smile on my face. Only knew him for the two weeks he trained me, but those two weeks he made a lot of fun. He taught me quite a bit and I took it all in. As we rode in the green golf cart, he was introducing me to the staff. And every one of them–and I do mean every one of them–I met said the exact same thing: ‘Man, you got some big shoes to fill. ’ While working here at Bayside, I see I do have some big shoes to fill. Just hope I am doing him justice while trying to fill them. ”

Mr. Albert is survived by his wife, Fran Richardson, and two sons. BA Today and the extended Bayside community offer our sincerest condolences to the Richardson family, as well as those who knew and loved Mr. Albert.

“I loved saying hey to Mr. Albert everyday. I would ask him how he was doing and he always said 'A-OK!' My students starting saying the same thing and it was so sweet. They loved the animals on his golf cart. ” -Emily Nelson, Lower School Science Teacher

“I'll always remember Mr. Albert enthusiastically greeting me with these words: 'Hey, hey, how are you today?' I also recall the time we spent learning about each other's childhoods, as we sat in the gallery of the Pilot Center together. I sure do miss him!” -Scott Clemens, Security

“Mr. Albert was a bright spot in my day, every day. He always stopped to chat with my son, William, while he was working. One day, William said, ‘I want to be just like Mr. Albert when I grow up. ’ We should all work to be a little more like Mr. Albert!” -Kelly Hughes, Head of Middle School

“I remember when I first came to interview at Bayside in May of 2021, Mr. Albert pointed me in the right direction! He actually led me to the right place on his golf cart. Thereafter that summer, he generously devoted his time to helping me move in some furniture by showing me where the elevator was. I always loved seeing Mr. Albert, the first face of Bayside for me! He left a legacy of being so friendly and helpful. ” -Virginia Gordon, Upper School Counselor

“I ran into Mr. Albert at Biscuit King soon after joining the staff at Bayside. It was one early morning and Mr. Albert was holding court when I, delighted to see a familiar face, interjected myself at his table. After he got over the shock of seeing us outside of a school setting, he was just as cordial and welcoming as he was every day at Bayside. Mr. Albert was a kind and caring man, and he will be greatly missed. ” -Beau Ray, former Upper School English Teacher

“Remembering Mr. Albert brought to mind on one rainy day, Mr. Albert gave me a ride in his golf cart. Unfortunately, we had a little accident––his foot slipped and the golf cart ran into the bush. Thank goodness, we both were OK. But the concern that he had for me was visible. He was more concerned of how I was than for himself. He also had such a good sense of humor. We laughed so hard together in the rain after making sure that we both were OK. It became our private joke every time I got on his golf cart, years later. He is missed and remembered for his everyday kindness. ” -Dee Tran, School Nurse “Mr. Albert was always quick to give a happy, ‘Well, Mrs. Jackson! How are you this morning?' I used to make sweets for the maintenance crew to show my appreciation. Unfortunately, I slacked off for a long while. One day, he rode past me in his golf cart and without slowing down he shouted, ‘Mrs Jackson, did your oven stop working? I’m guessing it must have!’” -Carrie Jackson, Upper School Art Teacher