Jeffery John Leibrand, 44, of Williston, N.D., and formerly of the Scobey area, died Dec. 25, 2021, at the Billings Clinic in Billings. He was born on Jan. 2, 1977, in Wolf Point to Donna (Sletten) Leibrand and John Solberg. Shortly after, he was adopted by his dad, George Leibrand. He was raised on the farm south of Peerless by Donna and George. He graduated from Peerless High School in 1995. In high school, he enjoyed raising 4-H steers, tinkering on his dirt bike and helping out on the family farm. He attended NDSCS in Wahpeton, N.D., where he graduated with an associate of applied science degree in 1997. He worked for Rasmus- Nelson Incorporated in Scobey before moving to Williston, N.D., in 2000. In 2001, he married Heidi Erickson. They had two children, Noelle Marie in 2004, and Tucker Jeffery in 2008. In 2018, he was married to Holly Girard. In 2020, son Clayton Monte was. They lived in Williston where ge worked at several mechanic/ technician jobs. He was often the go-to-guy who could figure out how to fix most anything. His hobbies included working on derby and model cars, bowling, woodworking, and snowmobiling. He was always just a phone call away when friends or family had any mechanical problems. He enjoyed spending time with family, and was always willing to lend a hand. Jeff was thrilled to share his cooking talent and cooked for many family events. He loved serving his family and friends a good meal usually prepared on his Traeger. He enjoyed spending time with his kids; teaching them how to build or fix something, how to change oil, or complete a project for Holly’s classroom. He loved following his kids’ extracurricular activities and sharing their accomplishments with the rest of the family. He is survived by his wife, Holly; children, Noelle, Tucker and Clay; parent, Donna and George Leibrand; biological father, John Solberg; grandparents, Torlief and Jean Sletten; sisters, Sandy and TK; and several half-siblings. Services will be at 11 a.m. Jan. 8, at the Scobey Lutheran Church with Pastor Paul Landeraaen officiating.

Manuel Paul 'Manny' Melbourne Jr., 75, of Poplar died Dec. 18, 2021, in Poplar. He was born on July 12, 1946, to Lydia Cynthia Johnson and Manuel Paul Melbourne Sr. in Poplar. He was a tri-athlete, excelling in basketball, track and football, leaving unbroken records for Poplar High School. Because of his excellence in sports, he received a full ride scholarship to Northern Montana College. He attended a trade school in California, earning a welding/machine tool degree. He spent many years as an employee of Fort Peck Tribes, A& S Industries and Fort Peck Housing Authority as a carpenter, building houses, performing machine maintenance, as well as various office positions. He enjoyed shooting pool, playing horseshoes, playing softball, hunting, trapshooting and visiting with friends near and far. He was preceded in death by his wife, Aleta Archdale; son, Alex Stearns; step-son, Frederick Archdale; brothers, Alfred Melbourne, Clifford Melbourne and Lionel Johnson; and sisters, Beulah Melbourne, Arlene Johnson, Renee Melbourne, Paula Melbourne and Cheryl Melbourne. He is survived by his daughters, Michelle Melbourne, Monica Melbourne-Franklin and Lorraine Hopkins; and five grandchildren. Funeral services were held on Wednesday, Dec. 29, at the Poplar Cultural Center. Interment followed at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel was entrusted with arrangements.