Clallam employee, 69, dies while at work

PORT ANGELES — Clallam County commissioners called for a moment of silence Tuesday for Health and Human Services Administrative Specialist Patricia Richards, who died Monday.

Richards, 69, suffered a massive heart attack at the Clallam County Courthouse at about 1:30 p.m., Department Director Iva Burks said.

Medics were unable to revive her.

“She was very well-liked,” Burks said.

“She was a really nice lady. She never said a bad word about anybody.”

Richards had worked for the county for seven years — all seven in the Health and Human Services Department.

Burks said Richards started in the Environmental Health Division and worked her way to the administrative side.

Her official title was administrative specialist 2.

“She was quiet,” Burks said.

“She went about her work in a professional manner.

“It’s a big loss to our department.”

Mike Doherty, chairman of the Board of Clallam County Commissioners, opened the weekly business meeting with the moment of silence.

Doherty described Richards as a “valued county employee.”

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Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-417-3537 or at rob.ollikainen@peninsuladailynews.com.

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