It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Richard Orled Gallinger. Richard passed away suddenly with a heart attack on August 6, 2017 in Regina, SK at the age of 52.
Richard was born March 29, 1965 at the Weyburn General Hospital. He was the youngest son of Marvin and Viola Gallinger. Richard has two older sisters, Marie and Marion, and a brother Ross.
He spent the first 2 years of his life on a farm north of Halbrite. Then the family moved to Preeceville, SK. At the age of five Richard became very sick and was diagnosed with Diabetes. The family moved to Alameda where Richard attended school from grade one to grade three and in 1973 Marvin and Viola bought their farm at Carlyle, SK, where Richard finished his education.
Richard loved horses and cattle from a very young age. Richard and his niece Marla Phenix had a lot of memories enjoying 4H together. He always had time for his nieces and nephews.
He worked very hard on the family farm, and long hours were spent in the dairy barn for many years. Later, with his dad, they went into PMU, as well as continuing with the rest of the work involved on the farm.
Richard and his dad had many enjoyable times riding their horses checking the cattle, especially in the spring when colts and calves were being born.
Marvin and Viola, along with Richard and his nephew Alvin Mainprize made several trips into Colorado and Iowa selling horses. Special friends Ed and Dianne McElroy would join them on these trips.
In 1992 Richard married Audrey Shephard. Richard was a very proud father when his son Justin Richard was born November 3, 1998. They enjoyed rodeos, taking in the rides at the fair, going to the Drive-in and watching movies at home. They spent as much time as was possible together.
The loss of his father in 2005 left him and his mother keeping the farm going. When available, his two sisters would also come home and help. Later, Dana was also a great help at the farm.
As well as working at the farm, Richard worked evenings cleaning various places in Carlyle, as well as the rink in Arcola.
In 2006, he met his partner Dana Gilliard, and they were inseparable. They worked side by side, whether they were calving out cows, haying, fixing fence or whatever other projects they tackled.
When his mother decided to quit farming, Richard and Dana moved to Swift Current where he became a sales rep for the Swift Current Livestock Exchange. He had a large area from Swift Current to north Battleford, and as far as the Manitoba border. In the past, he also worked for Arcola, Whitewood and Weyburn Livestock. Richard’s knowledge and years of cattle experience paid off when he went to purchase cattle.
He loved to showcase his cattle at Agribition. With all the hard work and hours spent getting the cattle ready, we used to ask him if it was worth it. His reply was, “This is my holiday once a year!”
Richard and Dana longed for their own farm, so in July 2016, along with their partner and nephew Alvin Mainprize, they bought a farm at Minton. Together, they established a nice herd of cattle which included some purebred.
In the summer when the cows were out to pasture Richard and Dana did custom fencing. Along the way, they made many lasting friends.
Richard will be remembered for his great sense of humour, calm demeanour, a smile that would melt your heart, and lots of gentle kindness.
Richard was friends with everyone and was loved and appreciated by his family and friends, he will be deeply missed.
Richard is predeceased by his father, Marvin and niece Sharlynn Mainprize and both sets of his grandparents.
He is lovingly remembered by his partner Dana; son Justin; mother Viola; sisters, Marie (Lorraine) Phenix, Marion Mainprize, Ross (Valerie) Gallinger; Dana's children and grandchildren, Kolt, Jordyn & Tripp Tanner, Jay Large, Bella & Willow Dunning; as well as many nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family and friends.
Richard's family wishes to thank everyone for their support, cards, flowers, gifts, food and hugs.
Thanks to Orsted Funeral Home, Reverend Michelle Moore for the lovely service. And all that came to share Richard's celebration of life at the farm. He will be deeply missed by his partner, family and many friends.
