WILLIAM JOHN RITCHIE

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

WILLIAM JOHN RITCHIE 1911 - 2007 With great sadness the family announces the peaceful passing of our dear father, grandfather, and great-grandfather on January 4, 2007 at the age of 95 years. He was predeceased by his parents, Alex and Elizabeth; three brothers, Alex, Bert and Jim, and sisters-in-law, Grace, Sylvia, Ivy and Helen. He is survived by his wife Jean, of 72 years; two sons Bill (Lois), George (Sheila) and one daughter Dorothy (Gerry) Palmer; grandchildren, Randy (Carol) Ritchie and their boys, Jason, Bradley, Ryan and Matthew; Heather (Bryan) Oughton; Sherrie (Irvine) Ferris and son Quinn; Kendall (Rosemary) Palmer and their children, Nicholas, Jamie, and Derek; Leanne (Blair) Good and their children, Hollie, Sara and Ethan; Grant (Carolyn MacKendrick) Palmer; Trevor (Kelly) Ritchie and their children, Kyle, Ashley and Amanda; Todd (Laurie) Ritchie and their children, Taylor and Kirsten; Tannis (Dean) Zimmel and their children Brett, Raelynn and Rylee; brother-in-law Gordon (Ruth) Watson and many nieces and nephews. Dad was born on February 24, 1911 at St. Boniface Hospital. He lived in the Norwood area until he was 13, and then moved, with his parents, to the Argyle district. Upon getting married to Jean (Watson) in 1934, they purchased their own farm. Dad cleared and broke the land with horses and an old tractor, allowing them to have a mixed farming operation. They moved to Stonewall in 1986 where they thoroughly enjoyed their retirement. Dad and Mom looked forward to their twice a year trip to Alberta to visit George and Sheila, travelling the road so often that he could tell if a farmer in Saskatchewan had bought a new piece of machinery. They also enjoyed a trip to Scotland and several trips to Palm Springs with their good friends, Gordon and Irene Kennedy. As age required more care, they moved to Stonewood Place in 2001. Dad still enjoyed going downtown for coffee each morning, thanks to the efforts of Ron Turton, who picked him up each day. 2004 was a special year for Mom and Dad, as a family reunion was held to celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary. The family would like to thank home care and the doctors and nursing staff at the Stonewall Hospital who provided care and compassion during the past two months. We, and especially Mom, will always miss and fondly remember his loving and caring presence. In keeping with Dad's wishes, cremation has taken place. A service of remembrance will be held on Monday, January 8 at 1:00 p.m. at Stonewall United Church with a reception to follow at the Stonewall Legion. In lieu of flowers a donation may be made to Rosewood Lodge, Stonewall, MB, or to a charity of one's choice. MacKenzie Funeral Home, Stonewall, in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 06, 2007