Naatoh'Kiaayo - RICHARD JR FIRST CHARGER passed away surrounded by his family at the Chinook Regional Hospital, on Saturday, January 15, 2022, at the age of 34 years.  Richard was born on May 27, 1987 at the Grace Hospital in Calgary, Alberta to Veronica Eagle Bear and the late Richard Sr. First Charger. 

Richard will be remembered by his loving mother, Veronica Eagle Bear, precious daughter Amathea Grey First Charger whom he loved and cherished very much and the mother of their daughter Abby Morning Bull; siblings: Danny (Rose) First Charger, Tamara First Charger, Patti First Charger, and Delia Cochrane (Larry) as well as his loving companion Daisy Chief Body: Richie's nieces Shay-Lynn, Daelyn, Alexa, Shelby, Christie-Lynn, and Dream. His nephews Christopher, Sterling, Tommy, Ethen, Kingston, and great nephew Devin; his Aunties: Cecilia (Norbert) Black Water, Theresa (Ron) Healy, Florine (late Bernard) White Man Left, Natalie (Gordon Sr) Morning Bird, Frankie (Wilbur) Yellow Old Woman and Barbara Scout. Uncles: Patrick and Joseph Stanley Eagle Bear, Roland Cotton, Dennis James Jr. First Charger, Gerry (Joanne) First Charger.  Last but not least, his cousin whom he loved like a brother Ronald Jr. Healy.  Clan Families include First Chargers, Eagle Bears, Weasel Fat, Sweet Grass, Bull Shield, Plaited Hair, Delaney, Bottle, Weasel Moccasin, Twiggs, Wings, Cotton, McDonald, Knife, Mistaken Chief, Red Crows, White Man Left, Many Bears, and Beebes.

Richard was predeceased by his father, Richard Sr. First Charger; by their older brother Kenny First Rider; maternal grandparents Billy & Margaret Eagle Bear; paternal grandparents James & Dora First Charger, Cousin Josh Little Leaf whom he took as a brother.

Ritchie spent his early years in Calgary up until 1991 and moved to Fort Macleod, AB and attended WA Day, GR Davis Elementary School and F.P. Walshe High School. He completed his high school at Kicking Horse Job Corp, Ronan, Montana, USA. In 2017, he moved to Vancouver, BC to prepare for the British Columbia Institute of Technology Steam pipe fitter program. He returned home in December 2017 to prepare for the arrival of his daughter Amathea Grey. Richie's whole life changed for the better with the news of Amathea Grey's arrival. His baby girl was born on May 5th 2018 and from then on, those two were inseparable. He was such a loving and doting father to Amathea, she was the apple of his eye.  Once Amathea was born, he attended the Red Crow Community College and then gained employment at the Sik-Ooh-Kotok Friendship Centre. After he left employment, he commenced his business of Tipi Making.

Like his late father Richard Sr., he had dreams and goals to pursue his own business with his sister's and nephew's assistance. He would often share his dreams by saying "Sterling and Tommy will help me gather poles". He was so talented at anything he put his mind to and was a wizard mathematician. If Richard didn't know how to do something, he would figure it out by researching it, watching the videos, attempting it, and getting it done. He was so smart and very reliable. He was also very humble about it too, he made sure to give others credit before himself. He spent long hours working beside our cousin Odessa making Tipi orders for The Sundance. He was very thankful for our uncle Travis Plaited Hair's guidance and the opportunity to learn how to make tipis.

Fight nights, was our family thing. Richie got us all together and updated us on who was who in the UFC fights. Oh and his BBQing was so delicious, he loved his steak and flank. Richie loved to BBQ for his little princess even in -30 degree weather. He also enjoyed playing Xbox every chance he got, that was his down time.

Richard was the most helpful, kind, sincere, and loving person. He could give you the best laughs and he could brighten up any difficult obstacles his loved ones faced. He genuinely was concerned for the wellbeing of those around him and was enormously respectful to his family, friends, coworkers, and anyone who came his way. He will forever be remembered for his golden Inuwasa heart, Inuwasa was our maternal great Grandfather and family Legend. 

Richard's love and comforting presence will be forever missed by his loved ones. This loss has devastated us all and we are very thankful for all the love and support you have given us.

A public Wake will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 - 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Thursday, February 3 , 2022 from 6:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M.  Due to COVID-19 restrictions, attendance will be limited to 50 guests at a time.  Kindly RSVP your attendance to Cornerstone at 403-381-7777 or care@cornerstonefh.ca

A Private Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, February 4, 2022 at 11:00 A.M. with Father Derek Remus celebrating at the ST. BASILS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 604 13 Street North, Lethbridge, AB.  The Funeral Mass will be livestreamed and may be accessed via Richard's obituary on the Cornerstone website.

Following the Funeral Mass, Richard will be laid to rest in the St. Catherine's Cemetery. A meal, prepared by Karen Chief Moon, will be handed out when you leave the cemetery.