The Light - An Alumni Publication Winter 2014/2015 | Page 4

In Memoriam
YFU MOURNS LOSS OF FORMER LEADER

HOSTING LEGACY: GAIL OVERPECK

It is with great sadness that YFU shares the news
of the passing of John Richardson Jr., who served
as President and CEO of YFU, Inc. from 197886. John’s passing comes within a month of his
beloved wife, Thelma. YFU honors them
both for their lifelong contributions
to opening minds and hearts
through their efforts to
encourage intercultural
understanding and
recognition that we are all
citizens of one world.

“The famous quotation
of ‘we stand on the shoulders
of giants’ seems particularly
apt as we mourn the loss of
John and Thelma Richardson,”
said Michael E. Hill, YFU’s current
President & Chief Executive Officer. “John came
to YFU at a pivotal time in our history, restoring
credibility at home and abroad in an organization
that was then adrift. His diplomacy, grace and
leadership cemented YFU’s future for decades to
come. He and Thelma gave eight important years
of leadership and sacrifice to YFU, its students, staff
and volunteers. On behalf of the 250,000 alumni
and countless more volunteers, we honor John and
Thelma and send our deepest sympathies to their
loved ones.” Read John’s obituary here.

Linda Gail Overpeck, age
71, died January 1, 2015
in Methodist Hospital in
Indianapolis after a brief
illness. She was born
on January 23, 1943
in Indianapolis. She
graduated from Brazil High
School in 1961 and from
John Herron Art Institute and
Butler University in 1966. She
then taught art in the Indianapolis
Public School system until retiring in 1996.
Her other passion following her retirement was
hosting young women from around the world who
came to Indianapolis -- attending both Speedway
and Ben Davis High Schools -- as YFU exchange
students. During her teaching career, she often
traveled to attend art workshops in the U.S. and
overseas. Once she retired, she continued her
overseas travels to visit many of her exchange 
daughters.
“Gail hosted students right up to the last day of
her life, with her last two exchange daughters living
with her on a semester program,” said Michael E.
Hill, YFU’s President & CEO. “She symbolizes the
incredible heart and generosity of our host parents
and volunteers across the nation, and the YFU family
mourns her loss with her family.”
The funeral was held Tuesday, January 6 at
Conkle Funeral Home. Donations can be made in
her honor, at her family’s request, to YFU at
yfuusa.org/donate.

John Richardson with his wife Thelma Richardson.

“Zinnias” by Gail Overpeck, a talented artist featured in the CCA Gallery.

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