Obituary of JEFFREY NATHAN RICHARD

(Ma’iingan) Jeffrey Nathan Richard

It is with great sadness the family announces the passing of Jeffrey Nathan Richard also known by his many names, (John-free, Jeffish, Lovester, brother, uncle, son and dad) at the age of 54, on June 24, 2018 in the city of Winnipeg, Manitoba. Jeff passed peacefully in his home surrounded by the love of his wife, mother, children, siblings, along with many family members and friends.

Funeral service will be held at 1442 Main Street on July 2, 2018 at 1:00 pm with Celebrant, Marianne Propp officiating. Father Dominique Kerbrat will be opening in prayer. Please join us in the Celebration of life at the above location at Cropo Funeral Chapel with reception to follow.

Jeff was born and raised in Camperville, Manitoba to parents Walter Richard and Ursula (Delaronde) on October 26, 1963. He attended Sisler high school and graduated in 1981. In 1987 he graduated from University of Winnipeg as an Early Childhood Educator. In 1992 he went on to attend the University of Manitoba and earned a diploma in Day Care Management. He spent the majority of his life caring for children, seniors and families. He started his career as a youth care worker, daycare worker and then became the Executive Director of KEEP Child care Inc. He continued his career serving and helping people at several other organizations such as Manitoba Metis Federation (MMF), Turtle Island Family Resource, as Executive Director for Indian Metis Friendship Centre (IMFC), Manitoba Association of Native Fire Fighters,( MANFF), and then moved on to The Canadian Red Cross his final work place.

Jeff was a Foster parent for Macdonald Youth Services (MYS) for 23 years, Jeff and Magda loved and learnt a lot from each child whom they cared for and continue caring for. Jeff enjoyed boating, fishing, cooking, star gazing, walking in the rain, fireworks and bonfires in the yard. He loved time at the cottage with family and friends. His greatest passion was playing guitar and sharing his love of music with his family and friends. His love was always with/for “family” as his many talents and characteristic traits confirmed this.  He was a born leader, caring, compassionate and talented in music. He had a sharp mind and great sense of humor, he was a charismatic communicator as he loved to tell a story and have a laugh or a good cry. One of the traits we will miss most is his loving protective ways and the way he loved his family.  

Jeff is survived by his wife Magda Bizjak, children, Bronson, Gabriel, Kolton and his mother Ursula Delaronde; his siblings, Simone Richard, Rick Richard (Kathy) and Cal Richard (Loraine); Rhonda McKay, Daniel&(Lisa) McKay, Walter Richard, and Denise &(Wayne) McKay; mother in law, Jolan Bizjak & Alex Debreceni and sister in law Jolan. Jeff had numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins too many to name and all were special to him.

He is preceded by his father, Walter Richard, Paternal grandparents, Victorine, (Big KoKo) (nee) McKay, Joseph Richard (Choom), and sister Marlene McKay. Maternal grandparents, Gilbert Delaronde ( Grampish), and Verna( Nanish) (nee) Godard, uncle, “Degas”, (Allen Delaronde) cousins Rob and Jason Delaronde. In laws, Otto Bizjak and Katie Weingand (nee) Bizjak.

In lieu of flowers or donations a trust fund will be set up in honor of Jeff’s wishes for his younger children Kolton and Gabriel Richard.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the staff at Cancer Care, Dr. C. Harlos, and Nurse Marissa, Dr. Chowdhury along with the Palliative care nurses that attended his home. Special Ki-gichi-miigwech to Auntie Janet, Cousin Jennifer, Steven Bizjak and Gail Korba, and all those who have supported us through this difficult time.