RICHARD JAMES VORNBROCK, beloved husband of the late Wilma Vornbrock, passed away at the Milk River Hospital on Sunday, November 16, 2008 at the age of 70 years.

Richard is survived by his three sons, their spouses, his grandchildren and his great-grandchildren: Rick, Darlene, and Rianna; Russ, Donna, Chris, Cassie, Allyssa, Brayden and Michaela; Kevin, Michelle, Miranda, Shelby and Colten. He is also survived by his siblings Merelyn (Mark) Harty, Norbert (Judy) Vornbrock, Norman (Joyce) Vornbrock, and Gert (Ken) Galts; his inlaws Lila Oswald, Larry and Roseanne Ericksen, and Ellen and John Plettl; special friend Shirley Pittman; good friend John Mazutinec; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Richard was predeceased by his wife Wilma, his parents Chris and Alma Vornbrock and his late wife's parents Delon and Pauline Ericksen.

Richard was born on July 22, 1938 and grew up on a farm in the Allertston area east of Milk River. Richard went to SAIT and became a licensed auto body mechanic. In 1962 he married Wilma Ericksen and moved into the town of Milk River. He worked in the auto body trade until his three sons were born and in 1967 he moved out to the family farm. He was a farmer for the next 20 years, but would often work as an auto body mechanic, engine mechanic, or carpenter in the winter months. He sold the farm to his nephew Wayne Harty in 1987 and moved back into town where he took care of Wilma as her health worsened. He also looked after their rental properties in addition to doing odd jobs. He spent time building Barbie doll furniture, crocheting afghans, and knitting in the winter months. He also enjoyed calling bingo and playing cards at the seniors' centre.

Richard loved participating in sports. He played basketball and baseball while he was growing up. In the later 1950's and early 1960's he played on teams that won a senior men's championship in Lethbridge and earned medals at the provincial level. He also enjoyed participating in track and field growing up and would travel to the Southern Alberta Summer Games in the 1970's. Many summer weekends were spent camping and fishing at Ridge Reservoir and also water skiing at Lake Five with family and friends.

A prayer service will be held at 7:30 PM on Thursday, November 20, 2008 at ST. PETER'S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH in Milk River.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, November 21, 2008 at ST. PETER'S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH in Milk River with Father Joe Kalathilparambil celebrant. Interment will follow in the Milk River cemetery.

Richard will be sadly missed by his family, as well as the many relatives and friends in the community. Flowers are gratefully declined. Those who wish may donate to the Alberta Cancer Foundation, c/o Tom Baker Cancer Clinic, 1331 29 Street NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N2.