GEORGE ALEXANDER RITCHIE -

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GEORGE ALEXANDER RITCHIE 1932 - 2011 With his family by his side, George Ritchie (Papa), aged 79, passed away on February 19, 2011 at Deer Lodge after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer's. George was born in Winnipeg on February 8, 1932. Left to cherish his memory is the love of his life, his wife, Margaret of 53 years; his daughter, Cheryl (Clifton) and her children Jordan and Chelsea; son, Kevin (Paula) and children, Bradley, Jake and Robyn; son, Ian (Nathalie) and children Alexander and Chase, and many nieces and nephews. He is survived by his sister Betty Cummings (Bruce) of Regina and brother Allan of Winnipeg, as well as his constant companion, his dog Ebony. He was predeceased by his parents, Herb and Phyllis Ritchie. Graduating from Lord Selkirk High School, George followed a career in Dental Supplies for 46 years. First with the Dental Co. of Canada in Winnipeg, Saskatoon, SK and Dartmouth, NS, returning to Winnipeg in 1978. He retired from Central Dental in 1996. The following year he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. His family was the cornerstone of his life. He encouraged and supported them in all they undertook whether it was hockey, baseball, soccer, music, sailing or scouting. He was a leader with the 1st Assiniboine Scouts group and participated for years in many events including summer and winter camping. George met his wife Margaret at Lester Beach. They built a cottage there in 1961. Here he enjoyed sailing, swimming, fishing, cross country skiing, biking and just relaxing. George served on the L.B.A board of directors and as president. It was at Lester Beach where in July, 2003 he went for a walk with his dog and did not return. With the help of friends, neighbours, search and rescue crews, he was found 18 hours later, not far away in a shelter he had built in the bank. We will always be grateful for the support of those involved. Dad liked travelling in Canada. He took his family on many trips, for both work and pleasure. We travelled from coast to coast, more than once camping in our trailer. In 1956 he joined the Winnipeg Kinsmen Club and later the K-40s. Besides the years of service he enjoyed the fellowship, golfing and curling. He loved music and dancing, joining the Westview Dance Club in 1987, a place where he and Margaret made many new friends whose support during this illness has been much appreciated. Dad also loved to bowl, getting strikes right up till his last bowling game in 2005. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made Deer Lodge Centre, Tower 3 Fund, 2109 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3J 0L3, or the Alzheimer's Society Manitoba, 10-120 Donald Street, Winnipeg, MB R3C 9Z9. His family would like to thank Home Care and the staff at Deer Lodge. Cremation has taken place. An interment will be at Victoria Beach at a later date. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Monday, March 7 at ANAVets, Unit 283, 3584 Portage Ave. at 3:00 p.m. NEIL BARDAL INC. FUNERAL CENTRE (204) 949-2200 nbardal.mb.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 26, 2011