‘Nate Dog’ was a doting dad

No matter who describes Nathan Richardson, everyone says the same thing: He was a committed father, was always armed with a charming smile and was a fiercely loyal Manchester United fan. 

Well-known and the former president of the Western Stars Sports Club, Mr Richardson’s life was tragically cut short on May 17, at the age of 38, just a mere three weeks after he discovered he was suffering from a rare leukemia while studying abroad in school in Manchester, United Kingdom.

Affectionately known by close friends as ‘Nate Dog’, Mr Richardson was set to graduate from Trafford College with a degree in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning next week. 

His mother, Madree Lindsay, reflected on her youngest son.

“He was helpful and was always willing to help me when I needed things done,” she said. “He had a beautiful personality and was a very loving son.

Mrs Lindsay recalled the last few weeks of Mr Richardson’s life: “I received a phone call saying he was in the hospital because his legs were hurting badly. I could not bear it so I decided that I would fly up to him as soon as I could.”

Within a few days, Mrs. Lindsay said she was at her son’s bedside and was told that he was suffering from leukemia.

Shocked

“His spirits were really good,” she said. “I had to convince myself not to be sad. I was shocked, but during the first two weeks the doctors were very hopeful but then one day they said they were going to put him into the Intensive Care Unit. I remember asking, ‘What’s happening?’, because while I knew that really sick people went into ICU it sounded like he was going to get a lot of attention which would help him get better.”

With family and friends by her side, Mrs Lindsay said they sang to Mr Richardson every day and she anointed him daily. She recalled, “He told us that the Lord had his full attention.”

As she spoke of her son’s passing, Mrs Lindsay said: “I’m happy that he is out of pain, but I miss him. He was a good son.”

And a good father, said his 18-year-old son, Najari Brangman, who had resided with Mr Richardson in the UK for the last three years.

 Like his father, Mr. Brangman is studying at Trafford College.

Mr Richardson also had two other children, Nylan Tyrell and Naomi Harvey, both of whom he loved very much.

Mr Brangman said he loved the opportunity to live with his dad and that the experience exposed him to “bigger and better things”.

He said finding out about his father’s illness was very hard to deal with but after being by his side the entire time, he has found strength from within to cope with all that has happened in a whirlwind of time.

Bravely

Mr Brangman said while his father bravely fought his illness, one of the highlights of his hospital stay was receiving a surprise phone call and signed jersey from Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck. They shared the same barber, and he had arranged it.

“That was probably the last time I saw such a big smile on his face,” recalled Mr Brangman.

As he reflected on the most valuable lessons his father taught him, Mr Brangman said: “My daddy always used to tell me, ‘You have to be ready because you never know what’s around the corner’. Now, with him gone so quickly, I now know what he means. You have to focus and do what you have to do because life is too short.”

In one of his last posts on Instagram, when he discovered the extremity of his illness, Mr Richardson said: “Keep the prayers coming as I will not make it on my own. 

“God has always had a plan for my life but wow this is a serious test of my faith.” Mr Richardson was eulogized on Monday and interred at St John’s Cemetery.