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Richard Schellenberg

Image by Nick Andréka

RICHARD MICHAEL SCHELLENBERG

Richard Schellenberg, age 47, died on Monday, January 17th, 2022, in Winnipeg.

Richard was born on February 4, 1974, in Ottawa.  He was a beautiful and engaging boy who grew into a handsome and charming man.  He was notoriously good at storytelling.  A trip to the supermarket, in his recounting, became an epic journey.  And every journey with Richard involved laughing until your sides ached.

From the time he was a small child, throughout the entirety of his life, Richard was vigorously egalitarian and enjoyed the company of people from all walks of life.  He befriended many people who were ignored or battered by the rest of the world and was a staunch champion for those who needed him.

In his youth, Richard lived the Canadian dream as a particularly skilled hockey player.  His parents logged many hours at many different rinks as he rose from the local neighborhood team to Midget AAA.

Richard spent most of his work life in the hospitality industry, managing multiple bars and pubs.  His priority was to keep his guests happy, which meant he made sure the food was tasty, and the drinks weren’t watered down.  His karaoke version of Johnny Cash’s “Walk the Line” was legendary.  In addition, he was an especially supportive boss.  His staff members were happy to sing his praises, even when he wasn’t nearby to listen.

Richard’s most recent work was perhaps his most challenging, as a manager of multiple properties.  He was in his element, putting out fires, both literal and figurative, and famously, creatively responding to an actual fire marshal’s demands.

Richard was fortunate enough to forge relationships with several extraordinary girlfriends.  The romantic component of those relationships didn’t always last, but he and his family remained friends with those wonderful women.

The joy of Richard’s life was his extraordinary daughter.  The other members of his family are forever grateful that she remains the most precious aspect of his legacy.

Richard is survived by his mother and father, Sonia and Chuck; his beloved daughter, Mia; his girlfriend, Michelle; his older sister and her husband, Ingra and Ron; his younger brother, Jeff; his gorgeous cat, Mr. Jingles; and an extensive extended family of aunts, uncles, and cousins.

ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

Memories, Stories and Condolences

 

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Delainey Currier

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

My sincerest condolences to his family. Richard was my first boss in the service industry and knew how to make an impact on people. I thought about him and his quick wit often through the years. A truly kind man who will be missed. 

Luke Doucet

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

I played hockey with Richard for a few years, starting when I was 7 years old and had just moved to Winnipeg from Halifax. I had no friends and the laughs and camaraderie he offered so generously represented my first taste of “Friendly Manitoba”. A small crew of us boys played hockey, rode BMX bikes around Wolseley and generally caused (relatively harmless) trouble.  My son is now seven and we’ve been walking over to the rink in our west end Toronto neighbourhood to skate away the lockdown blues. Just last week I reminisced about Richard’s hockey prowess and friendship. RIP buddy. 

Derek Routledge

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

I'm very sorry to hear about Richard's passing. Richard and his parents home was always open to his friends. He had so much personality! A wonder guy. That's how we will all remember him! My heart felt condolences to his whole family.

Jiab Titima

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

My deepest condolences to all friends and his beloved family. Richard was a caring person, a sensitive and a beautiful heart that always care about others more than himself. He was a brave, a curious and a protector for those who has unfortunates lives. He is a hard working person and enjoying cooking person. May he sleep in peace till we meet again and may God strengthen all for those who lose. 

Cindy Patterson

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

My deepest condolences to all that knew him..such a great loss at such a young age..Cindy Patterson

Henry J Rempel

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

We are sending our love to Chuck, Sonia and the extended family. He sounds like quite a remarkable guy. Cousin Henry J

Deborah Vitt

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

This was a wonderful tribute to our nephew Richard.  We have many memories of his natural ability to story tell with humour - especially at the family Christmas gatherings.  These are hard days for sure.  We trust you will find strength knowing you are all surrounded by the love of family and friends. Love, Deborah and Randy Vitt

Donna Kirner

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

My sincere condolences to you and your family at this sad time. I hope those good memories of him provide comfort. 

Anastasia Spiridakos

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

Jeff, Such a wonderful tribute to Richard. My love and thoughts to you, your parents and the entire family. RIP Richard, you will never be forgotten!

Dennis and Joan Zwarich

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

Chuck, Sonia and family. Sincere condolences on Richard’s passing. No words can express a family loss. A wonderful tribute to Richard.

Janis & Philip Thompson

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

Wonderful tribute to your brother. You captured the essence of Richard in such a loving remembrance. He was always so welcoming and generous to us and will live in our memories as such. All our thoughts and love to the whole family. Janis & Philip Thompson.

Mona

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

So very sorry for your loss. Heartfelt condolenences to the entire family.  

Marlene Schellenberg

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

You have written a beautiful tribute to Richard and captured him the way I remember him. I hold my nephew Richard dearly and lovingly in my heart. Much love to my brother Chuck, Sonia, Ingra, Ron, and Jeff. 

Suzy Waldman

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

Chuck and Sonia and Ingra and Jeff, I’m so sorry for your loss. I will always remember Richard best from when he played Oliver in the musical at Grant Park, and sang “Where is Love” so beautifully and purely. My deepest condolences, Suzy

Curtis & Carolyn Johnson

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

Chuck, Sonya and family We are very sorry to hear of the passing of your son, Richard.   You are in our thoughts and prayers. Sincerely,  Curtis and Carolyn Johnson

cathy keenan

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

Sonia, Chuck and family Although I have never met Richard we share the same birthday which  I will now remember him on that day forevermore.  I am deeply saddened to hear of the loss of this wonderful man.. My sincere sympathy to Sonia and Chuck at this most difficult time.  Please know my heart is heavy with yours and my thoughts are with you. cathy keenan

Franca Anania Racciatti

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

My deepest condolences.  Many fond memories of Richard and the gang throughout our high school years. Richard was always a kind friend that had a smile that lit up the room.  My prayers and thoughts are with you during this very difficult time. 

Sasha & Helena

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

Our deepest condolences to Chuck, Sonia and family on Richard's passing. Very sorry to hear about your loss. You are in our prayers.  Sasha & Helena

Joan Crane

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

Chuck, Sonia, and family, We send our sincere condolences to you.   May God comfort you at this sad time. Love, Uncle Walter, Joan and Brian, Patricia and Vic, Richard and Rita

Jennifer Carmichael

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

I was in Rainbow Stage’s production of The Sound Of Music with Richard in summer of ‘86. I played Brigitta and my suster Shauna played Marta - Kurt (Richard) was our big brother in the play along with our other cast. siblings. We had a blast that summer even went up to the lake together I believe I had a bit of a crush on Richard back then. So sad to hear he has passed away so young - My deepest condolences to his  family -Jennifer Carmichael ❤

Gladys Hudson

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

Sonia and Chuck, I’m so sorry to hear about the passing of your son Richard. My sincere condolences, thinking of you at this difficult time.

Dave Cassie

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

Sorry for your loss Sonia and Chuck. I had known Richard most of his life ... he was always the one with the bright smile and quick wit. Warm, funny and approachable. I recall he came for Christmas dinner the year he was in Toronto; our 3 boys immediately took to him, as everyone did. But mostly, I remember the closeness of Richard and and my mother. She always had a warm place in her heart for Richard, and he also did for her. In her final years in Winnipeg Richard would visit and sometimes take her for an ice cream cone. At Ikea. Because Ice Cream at Ikea is only $1 and Nana didn't know why you would spend any more. Thank you Richard for your warmth and humour. Remembering you always. Sherri Stevenson, Dave Cassie, Ryan Cassie, Nathan Cassie and Quinn Cassie

Ian Campbell

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

RIP Rich. I will Always remember the mornings drinking coffee with you at McDonald's before class @ GPH! Lots of fond memories of hanging out with you

John and Charity Schellenberg

September 25, 2024 at 7:31 PM

It was Richard's absolutely disarming grin that first comes to mind. No one could withstand his charm.  Chuck, Sonja and family, Charity and I as well as our whole clan send you our deepest sympathies and warmest love.  

Michele Normand

September 25, 2024 at 7:31 PM

The first time I met Richard was on St.Johns Ave. a building I started caretaking in 2018. Rob the property manager had quit leaving Richard yet another property in his portfolio. He called me to make arrangements for a breakfast meeting to chat about the building the following day at 8:00 a.m.. Well 8:00 a.m. had come and gone. I waited all day and he did not show up. I was furious!  He finally showed up to drop off notices one afternoon. I opened the door he introduces himself, he wished he didn't, I told him what time it was, fed him something he had never tasted before. Not letting him get a word in edgewise I ended it with "if all you have is your word then that's all you have and I'm sorry but your word is sh**!" Grabbed the notices and slammed my door. He later tells me that he couldn't believe that little ol' me told him what time it was and had been thinking for the rest of his day "did that little bit** really tell me what time it was?" Well if he didn't like me then he wasn't going to like me later. We became best friends in no time. The more we hung out and worked together the closer we got and we realized we were two of the same people. He had always brought that day up shaking his head laughing.  When we worked together we worked long hours not leaving us much time to enjoy each other's company off the clock but when we did we had a blast. Too tired to cook dinner he would make us Kraft dinner like nobody's business! I will never taste it like that again for the rest of my life. I won't be eating it any time soon that's for sure. Richard had a big heart for those close to him. Wore his heart on his sleeve. Richard had a goofy side to him that not many had the privilege of experiencing. He he had me in tears from laughing so hard. We had some really good times.  It's Richard's heavenly 48th birthday today and wish he could be here with me celebrating it.  Richard baby, It hasn't been any easier from the day I found you to today and not sure if it ever will. What I do know is that I love you and I miss you from the center of my soul and wish I can hold you one more time.  Happy 48th birthday baby. I hope you're resting easy! I love you! 

Jiab Titima

September 25, 2024 at 7:31 PM

Some of his pictures that I have. 

Liz Crawford

September 25, 2024 at 7:31 PM

My heart is broken for your loss, for anyone who had the privilege of loving him. Richard played such a huge role for much of my life. He was my first boyfriend. I met him when we were 16 years old. He was magical. Blonde hair and tanned skin, incredible smile and oh so charming. He had me at hello with his crooked smile and mischievous eyes. Needless to say our friendship didn’t end there. With often great drama and charisma Richard weaved in and out of my life. At times I thought oh right this is how I will end up in jail or something crazy will happen. He sure loved a great adventure. The thing about him was I always knew no matter what, he always had my back. Richard loved like no other. He would do anything for the ones he loved. He was incapable of holding a grudge or being envious. Always a kind word about others. A deep sense of empathy. He made friends with everyone. Often joking and having a good time, he never missed a thing. He could read a room like no one I had ever met. I will miss him for the rest of my life because no matter how many time outs we took over the past 32 years we always found one another again. I counted on that. My heart is broken. I am so grateful for him, the love he gave me, always believing in me especially when I didn’t believe in myself. They say some people are just pure of heart. That was Richard. There are no words to express how sorry I am for your loss Sonia and Chuck. Love you and thank you for always welcoming me. 

Jiab Titima

September 25, 2024 at 7:31 PM

Last note for you, Rich… you are special and you created interesting and amazing memories everywhere you are.… I can’t wake you up now but I promised if Jesus is back I will be around with just happiness and no pain.. Love you and you will be in my memory forever. I wish I have Mr.Jingle with me. 
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