RICHARD JAMES DELBRIDGE

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RICHARD JAMES DELBRIDGE (January 21, 1975 - August 5, 2006) It is with great sorrow, we announce the accidental death of Richard James Delbridge at 31 years of age, beloved husband of Melissa (Fleury) and father of Jessica (9) and Bailey (3). Richard will also be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his parents, Frank and Bernice (Leonhardt); and his only sibling Denise Belinski (Dave); niece Megan and nephew Matthew; parents-in-law, Carl and Shirley Fleury; sister-in-law, Melanie Fleury; brother-in-law Michael Fleury; plus numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Richard was predeceased by all his grandparents, his special Uncle Clayton, Rick Hextall (his namesake) and his close friend Kirby Tully. Richard was born on January 21, 1975 in Portage la Prairie and was raised in Poplar Point, MB. His great love while growing up, was playing hockey. During his many years of playing with Oakville, they often won the league and provincial championships with the highlight being a silver medal win at the 1990 Manitoba Winter Games. Richard graduated from Arthur Meighen High School in Portage and moved to Alberta to work in the oil fields for Derek Inspections for five years. During which time he returned to Southport to train as a Metal Inspector. He then went on to be employed by Standard Aero Space in Winnipeg as a Non Destructive Tester for seven years. Last year Richard found his dream job at Luke's Town Service at Elie, MB. There he was able to network, sell, demo and service ATVs, Argos and boats. He especially enjoyed demonstrating the recreational vehicles out in the natural terrain. He married Melissa of Marquette, MB on May 11, 2002. Together with Jessica, they moved to their hobby farm four miles east of the Point. Their second daughter Bailey was born on February 28, 2003. He enjoyed the time he spent with his family and faithful dog and hunting partner T . Melissa was a large part of his 'mud bogging' weekends and dog trials. Bonding time with Jessica was often in the form of travelling to and from hockey games and practices. Bailey loved to go quading with Richard as they shared the same sense of adventure and 'no fear' attitude. Richard was mechanically inclined and an avid outdoorsman both summer and winter. All forms of hunting interested him especially duck hunting. He was always ready for a laugh and could be counted on to be there for anyone who needed help. His off time, when not with his family, was spent with his 'buddies'. He will also be missed by many associates, special friends and his hunting and 4-wheeling buds. Honorary Pallbearers are Bill Langner, Darren Guy, James Merke, Blair Hockin, Joe MacDonald and Jason Eliuk. Funeral service will be held in the Chapel of the Omega Funeral Home in Portage la Prairie, MB on Saturday, August 12 at 1:30 p.m. Friends may call at the funeral home for visitation on Thursday evening, August 10 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A Trust Fund for his daughters has been set up by his friends and donations are being accepted at Caisse Populaire D'Elie, 10 Main St., Elie, MB R0H 0H0 or at the Marquette branch. Friends may leave a message on our web site www.omegafuneralhome.com Dedicated to those we serve .

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 09, 2006