Richy, Bex & baby Amelia Vuletich's life journey

Richy Vuletich and his life partner Bex, were both living an idyllic life in Margaret River - Western Australia. They enjoyed Margaret River's relaxed environment, met and made lifetime friends and had loads of fun. Richy enjoyed working in the wine industry, working with his mate Brook collecting Jarrah seeds, along with managing to create and establish their successful cider business (Apple a Day Cider Co).

Bex landed a job working at the Early Learning Centre of Margaret River, which she loved.

In July 2013 Richy had an examination at Bunbury hospital and the results showed that he had colon cancer. Following this news, he underwent surgery in August 2013 with a second surgery due to complications. As their Australian medical insurance did not cover the ongoing chemo treatment, Richy & Bex decided to return back to New Zealand to be closer to their families for support in Whangarei. Richy started his chemo treatment in Whangarei with Bex by his side as his full time caregiver.

Mid February 2014, Richy suffered a cardiac arrest. Bex performed CPR for more than 20 minutes, keeping Richy alive before the ambulance team arrived to attend to him. He was then taken to the Whangarei Hospital, and was then kept in an induced coma. Caring staff in the ICU ward looked after him while he was visited and loved by all his family and close friends and after one long week - he woke up. We all were all so happy to see our Richy come back into the world with his unique sense of humor intact along with his irresistible and infectious personality.

He took many more weeks to gain his strength back and it was great to see him strong enough to be able to travel down to Marlborough to attend Cathy & Vaughan's wedding in March 2014.

Enjoyable fishing trips, adventures, reestablishing and growing his Apple a Day Cider business in Northland, working at his family vineyard (Longview Estate) were all achieved by Richy over the following months during his recovery. Bex also enjoyed getting back into working life as a daycare teacher at Top Kids in Whangarei.

Another miracle was that Rich & Bex found out that they were expecting a baby due in February - this news made them both very happy.

In October 2014 Richy underwent further surgery to reverse and remove his colostomy bag.

In mid November Richy began to suffer chronic back pain. Around Christmas 2014 he was scanned & found to have a cluster of cancerous lymph nodes surrounding his liver & pushing up against his lower back, and cancer nodes found in both of his lungs.

On the 4th of January 2015, Richy & Bex became proud parents of their beautiful baby girl - Amelia. A special bundle of joy in everyone's life.

On 25th January - Bex & Rich had a beautiful wedding, surrounded by family & friends creating special memories to treasure forever.

A shift out to a lovely house close to the sea, located in Ruakaka in late January provided a calm and comfortable environment for Richy. Richy was surrounded every day by love and cared for by all his family until he was unable to put up his fight any more.

With family gathered together at his home in Ruakaka, Richy spent his final hours with his sisters Gina & Maree, Gina's partner Johnny, his mother & father Mario & Barbara, Bex, Amelia, John & Jackie all by his side - Richy passed away peacefully at 11pm on Tuesday 17th February surrounded by love & support.

Our thoughts will be with you forever Richy... You will be missed more than words can explain... Love to you always from all your friends and family.