Obituary of Richard Bleakney

BLEAKNEY - Richard Delon Bleakney passed away peacefully at the Riverside Health Complex, Turtleford, Saskatchewan on Thursday, August 27, 2009 at the age of 66 years, after a brief battle with leukemia. Delon was born December 21, 1942 to Connie and Frank Bleakney, and was the second eldest in the family of six. He was raised on their farm just outside of Spruce Lake. He went to school in Spruce Lake and after graduating from grade 12, he went to work in the oilfields. Delon married Marilyn Maess on December 23, 1967. Delon and Marilyn moved to Turtleford in 1969 and took over Marilyn's family farm in the spring of 1972. Delon continued to farm and work winters in the oilfield for many years. He then started trucking—hauling logs, oil, bales, and finally grain and fertilizer. Delon was a very active member of the community. His most important contribution was his involvement with Alcoholics Anonymous. He had 33 years of sobriety. He was also very active in his church, the Turtle Lake Mission, and went on 3 mission trips to Mexico. Delon loved music and enjoyed many hours jamming with friends and family. He also enjoyed reading and talking politics. Delon leaves to cherish his memory: His wife, Marilyn, daughters: Susan and Paul Hamm of Turtle Lake, and their children, Adrianna and Ashton; Donna and Alan Corbeil of North Battleford and their children, Adam, Joelle and Evan; siblings Barb and Bill Ashton, Betty and John Glendinning, Bill and Arlyne Bleakney, Joy Smith, Neil and Maureen Bleakney: sister-in-law Linda and Jerry Spenst, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. The funeral service was conducted from the Turtle Lake Mission on Monday, August 31, 2009, with Pastor Dan Gies officiating. Henry Wooff gave the eulogy. Shelley Bloom and Inga and Greg Sample preformed special music "To the River". Pallbearers were Rodney Gordon, Gerald Friesen, Ken Klassen, Ken Rutherford, John Cameron, and John Campbell. The hymns sung were "Just a Closer Walk with Thee", "In the Garden" and "I'll Fly Away" accompanied on the organ by Judy Gies. Interment was held at the Turtleford Cemetery. Donations in Delon's memory can be made to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada, the Turtle Lake Mission Bible Camp or to a charity of the Donor's choice. CARD OF THANKS The family wishes to thank Pastor Dan Gies for officiating, Judy Gies for playing the music, Shelley, Inga and Greg for the special music and Henry for delivering the eulogy. We wish to thank the Turtle Lake Mission Ladies for providing the lunch following the service. Thank you to all who brought food to the house and to everyone who phoned, visited, sent flowers and cards. Your love and support is greatly appreciated. The family also wishes to thank the Staff and Doctors at Riverside Health Complex for all your compassion and care. A special thank you to Pastor Dan for being with us at the hospital, the last few days of Delon's life. Finally, we wish to thank McCaw's Funeral Service and Dale McCaw for their compassion and professionalism. Marilyn Bleakney Susan, Paul, Adrianna and Ashton Hamm Donna, Alan, Adam and Joelle Corbeil. Donations in memory of Delon may be made to the Leukemia Lymphona Society.