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Former Augusta Commissioner Richard Colclough Passes Away

Community members gather in Augusta to celebrate local governance.

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.