The Chronicle (South Tyneside and Durham)
Dad is recalled as a ‘free spirit’
TRIBUTES PAID AT THE FUNERAL OF MUCH-LOVED 36-YEAR-OLD
HE was the practical joker and ‘free spirit’ who always put others before himself. Tributes have been paid to dad Richie Kilbourne as loved ones gathered to say goodbye at his funeral.
Richie, 36, was found dead at his home in North Shields earlier this month. Police are still investigating how he came to die at the flat, on Howdon Road.
But yesterday precious happy memories of the dad-of -four’s life were celebrated at Tynemouth Crematorium.
Richie’s coffin was carried into the chapel to the sound of Puff Daddy and Faith Evans’ hit I’ll be Missing You.
Susan Gibson, who gave the service, went on to read tributes from Richie’s family and shared memories of his life.
“He was a massive character,” she said. “He was the kind of person who was always there to help other people. His heart really was a good one. He always looked for the best in people. No matter what life threw at him, he accepted it and moved forward.”
Ms Gibson told how Richie was born in Hartlepool to parents Chantelle and Bill and had a brother called Anth and sister called Sarah.
A tribute from Sarah read at the funeral said: “We were always there for each other, no matter what. He wasn’t just a brother, he was a friend. He was always there when I needed him. I will always miss him and always love him.”
Ms Gibson explained how Chantelle told her Richie was always up to mischief as a child. And Richie’s time spent in prison was revealed openly and with humour. “His mam says even as a small child he was mischievous,” said Ms Gibson. “But trouble seemed to follow him around. He was a free spirit.”
Richie had four children, three of whom survive him, and two grandchildren.
“He was a very good dad,” said Ms Gibson. “He was always there for them when he was able to. He wanted the best for them.
“He was very proud of them all.” A tribute from Richie’s daughter Stevekay, 19, was read out. She said: “He always made sure I had what I needed. He put other people before himself. My dad wasn’t a regular dad. He was a dad you could have a laugh with. In some ways he was like a best friend as well as a dad.”
Mourners left the chapel to Tina Turner’s hit song Simply the Best.
Detectives are still treating Richie’s death as unexplained. The Chronicle revealed last week that a man and a woman have been arrested. The Chronicle understands police are also investigating a report of assault involving Richie, which is unconnected to his death. It is understood a woman has been arrested in relation to this and released under investigation.