In Memoriam

Richard "Rick" Opperud
April 16, 1962 - November 24, 2009

Richard Fred Opperud II April 12, 1962-November 24, 2009 Richard Fred Opperud II passed away on Tuesday, November 24, 2009, after suffering an aneurysm three weeks earlier. Rick was a resident of Angleton, and was a distinguished police officer, working for the Brazoria County Sheriff's Office for 17 years. He also was a nationally known K-9 handler and served on the Board of the National Narcotic Detector Dog Association, as well as trainer for countless dog teams. Having been born into a rice-farming family, Rick learned at an early age the necessity of hard work and family values. Hard work and commitment led to the fulfillment of first, the dream of being a police officer, and most important, Rick becoming a K-9 officer. Rick was a man of honor, loyalty, and integrity; often looked to for advice by friends and family. His son, Joshua; and daughter, Amber, intend to keep his legacy alive through their own life's work. He was a soft yet strong individual who had many faces to those that loved him. To his children, he was a dad they could depend on in their greatest times of need; to his nieces, he was "Uncle Gorgeous," a person they could always go to if they needed to laugh or a strong shoulder. To his sister, Rick has been an anchor through many of life's challenges. To his fellow officers, he was a mentor and friend. He was preceded in death by his great-parents, Fred and Helen Bieri; grandparents, E.C. Branstetter and Elouise Bieri Opperud; parents, Richard and Connie Opperud; and niece, Ariel Smith. Rick is survived be his children, Joshua Opperud and wife, Pam, of Angleton, Amber Kay Opperud of Freeport; grandparent, Mrs. Jessie Branstetter of Angleton; sister, Robbyn Opperud Smith and husband, Larry, of Angleton; nieces, Meghan Smith of Cy-Fair, TX; Gabrielle Vesely and husband, Jodie, of Longview, TX; Emily Smith of Angleton, Shelbi Smith of Angleton; nephews, Jesse Opperud, Jordon Opperud both of Lake Jackson; and great-aunt, Betty Whitaker of Angleton. Words cannot express the void felt by Rick's passing. The family would like to express its sincere gratitude for the outpouring of love and support by the Brazoria County Sheriff's Office and community at large. Rick's family welcomed visitors from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Sunday, November 29, 2009, at Palms Funeral Home in Angleton. Funeral services were Monday, November 30 at 10:00 a.m. at the Brazoria County Fairgrounds Auditorium, 901 S. Downing Road in Angleton. Burial followed in Angleton Cemetery. Pallbearers were Jesse Arenivas, Louis Baltazar, Ricardo Cruz, Steve DeLaCruz, Ian Paten, Eddie Rodriguez, Larry Smith and Chris Villella.