News Summary
Former Augusta Commissioner Richard Colclough has passed away at the age of 86 due to natural causes. Serving as a commissioner for seven years, Colclough was known for his commitment to the community, even after his resignation in 2006. His passing follows the recent loss of another former commissioner, Bernard E. Harper. Both men significantly contributed to Augusta-Richmond County’s governance and community service, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to local improvements.
Augusta – Former Augusta Commissioner Richard Colclough passed away at the age of 86 due to natural causes at his home on Friday. The information was confirmed by Richmond County Coroner Mark Bowen, who stated that the cause of death was not unexpected.
Colclough served as a commissioner for seven years, representing District 4 from 1999 until his resignation on April 22, 2006, during his second term. In his resignation letter, he expressed gratitude for the rewarding experience of serving the community and articulated his desire to pursue other personal goals. Even after his resignation, Colclough remained engaged in local affairs, making appearances at community events. Just last month, he participated in a news conference with former city leaders and Mayor Garnett Johnson, showcasing his continued commitment to the Augusta-Richmond County community.
The passing of Colclough marks the second loss for the Augusta community in recent days, as Bernard E. Harper, another former commissioner, was found dead in his Graniteville apartment the previous Wednesday. Harper, who was 73, is also believed to have died of natural causes, as indicated by Aiken County Coroner Darryl Ables. Harper had been a resident of the Augusta area for over 30 years and notably contributed to the community through various roles in hotel management, eldercare, and commercial cleaning.
Throughout his political career, Harper attempted to secure a position on the Richmond County Board of Education, running unsuccessfully for the District 4 seat in both 1996 and 2000. He also served on the Augusta-Richmond County Coliseum Authority from 2000 to 2006. In 2005, he ran for the Augusta Commission Super District 9 seat but was not elected. In a turn of events, he narrowly defeated Richard Colclough’s successor, former Commissioner Alvin Mason, in 2006 to complete Colclough’s unexpired term, which ended in 2007. However, Mason reclaimed the seat, defeating Harper in elections for the full term in both 2008 and 2010. In 2018, Harper sought a position in the unexpired District 5 term but was unsuccessful in the special election held in March 2019.
During his tenure, Richard Colclough was instrumental in bringing the Weed & Seed anti-crime program to Barton Village, highlighting his focus on enhancing community safety and welfare. Both Colclough and Harper are remembered for their significant contributions to local governance and community service. Their legacies reflect a commitment to addressing community challenges and striving for improvements in Augusta-Richmond County.
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Additional Resources
- WJBF: Former Augusta Commissioner Richard Colclough Dies
- Wikipedia: Richard Colclough
- Augusta Chronicle: Bernard Harper Found Dead
- Google Search: Augusta Commissioners
- The Augusta Press: Former Augusta Commissioner Colclough Dead at 86
- Google Scholar: Augusta Local Government
- WFXG: Aiken County Coroner Investigating Death
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Augusta, Georgia
- The Augusta Press: No Foul Play Suspected in Death
- Google News: Augusta Commissioner News
Author: STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER
AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
