PORTLAND – William “Bill” H. Richardson, 78, died peacefully Feb. 9, 2022 at his home in Portland. He was born Nov. 13, 1943 in Portland, the son of Hadden and Marie (Dubé) Richardson.He attended schools in Brownville Junction and graduated from University of Maine with a B.A. in English in 1965. He then taught there as a graduate student for two years. During college summers he worked at what is now Augusta Mental Health Institute. In 1967 he began a career at Maine Central Institute in Pittsfield that included teaching and administrative assistant work. From 1976 to 2016 he worked as a corporate paralegal at the law firm now known as Verrill in Portland. There he received the Byron Award, an annual award for outstanding work.Bill was predeceased by his father and mother; a brother David; and his long term friend Stuart Reed. He is survived by his brother Robert of Zephyrhills, Fla. and a niece Karen Montgomery and her husband Larry of Franklin, Tenn. He is also survived by his godson, Ryan Reed Nichols of Cornish, as well as Ryan’s wife Tabitha, and mother Donna. Bill’s extensive community of friends will also miss him deeply.Per Bill’s wishes, there will be no visiting hours or service. Bill frequently spoke of how lucky he was. To offer condolences and sign a guest book, please visit http://www.hobbsfuneralhome.com.A donation to a social services organization of choice could be made. Although he always tried to dismiss, even deny,his caring ways,his heart was tender