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JACK RITCHIE
Born: Oct 11, 1944
Date of Passing: Mar 28, 2026
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryJACK RITCHIE
If you knew Jack Ritchie, you only knew half the story. Here’s the person a chosen few came to know.
He was the kind of person who would, annoyingly, sing at the top of his lungs "good morning, how’s your morning smiles" to wake up his kids for school every day when we were young.
On the way out the door, he would tell us to "work hard and wear your gloves" (though we never quite understood what that meant). Later in life, he would remind those same adult kids that "the share price won’t rise or fall whether you are at work" - as a reminder to slow down occasionally and look after ourselves.
He would take his family on epic road trips spanning thousands of miles and millions of memories. He coached baseball in summer and hockey in winter and could be found in the audience of dance recitals and gymnastic competitions in between.
He would mark key milestones in his children’s lives with handwritten letters expressing both compassion and pride. He is the one you would call with good news, bad news, and everyday news.
He was a dad who, when finally convinced to walk in the Winnipeg Pride parade with his family, declared enthusiastically at the end of the parade, "let’s go around again!" And then came back year after year until he could no longer.
He loved a good drive - both in a car and on the golf course and had several lifelong friends of over 70 years. He was deservedly proud of his many achievements, spanning an award winning 36 years at RBC and a trophy shelf spotlighting his incredible achievements in football, baseball, and hockey.
He was the proud dad to four children and their partners: Robb (Geret), Laurie Cox (Julian), Meagan Fontaine (JP), and Bryan (Danielle). He was an even prouder grandpa to seven grandchildren (Lily, Josh, Dom, Kendall, Alex, Cassien, Sebastien), that lit up his world like no other when they visited. He was grateful for all he had…and he was loved in return.
He was also a man who thought lasagna, Caesar salad, pancakes, and quiche made good complimentary dishes at a Christmas brunch he hosted each year with his children. He may not have always been perfect, but he was perfectly ours.
Thank you to the staff at River Ridge II and the healthcare professionals who showed up for dad time and again. We are forever grateful to our sister Meagan for the boundless devotion she showed Dad - making his care the quiet centre of her daily life.
And while it was dad’s generous heart that had grown tired in the end, his life lessons will live on in those who loved him.
As flights of angels sing him to his rest, there to greet him will be his mom and dad, Dorothy and Elmo, much loved sister Janice and twin brother James, and friends who have taken this journey before him.
Honouring Dad’s wishes, there won’t be a funeral but there will be an intimate celebration of his life with family, and we will continue celebrating him throughout our lives.
In lieu of flowers, tell your dad (or any dad) that you love them. Be there for them when needed. And, if you were fortunate to know our dad, then share with us what he meant to you.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 04, 2026
Condolences & Memories (12 entries)
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It's rare outside of family to be able to say someone has known you your entire life, but I get to say this about Jack. The RBC was what initially brought our parents together as colleagues, and then as friends. The 6 month age gap between Jack's daughter Meagan and I, and our early obsession with each other further connected us all. The things I will remember most about growing up with Jack are his sense of humour, his smile, and how dearly he adored his kids, and then of course grandkids. When Meagan and I forced him to watch 10 "choreographed" dances to the 1997 Backstreet Boys album in a row, he exclaimed "bravo" and clapped just as loudly at each one as the first. When he got Meagan and I the first time with one of those old jump-scare internet videos, he nearly fell on the floor laughing at our reaction, and once we got over being mad at him, we realized it was pretty funny too. I will hold those memories of him, and the countless others I have from our trips, holidays and the innumerable sleepovers I had at Meagan's childhood home through the years in a special place in my heart. - Posted by: Kacie Drewry (Family friend of 35+ years) on: Apr 06, 2026
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I was fortunate to meet Jack in the late 1970's during his time with RBC. Our business relationship morphed into a 'friendship'... in the office ... on the racquetball court and golf course. He loved to compete ... and let you know when he WON ... but always in a good natured way. Sort of like a BIG BROTHER. I am sorry for the family and his loved ones. He was a GOOD man. Rob Crowley - Posted by: robert crowley (Friend) on: Apr 06, 2026
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So sorry to hear of Jack's passing. I grew up on the same street as Jack in Portage la Prairie. Although he was a few years older than I, he always acknowledged me in the neighborhood. I enjoyed watching him play sports, he excelled in every sport he played. Condolences to the family. - Posted by: Howie Nickels (Childhood friend) on: Apr 05, 2026
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LONG TIME COLLEAGUE MOSTLY WE WORKED TO GETHER ON OPERATIONS AN TRAVELLED TO MANY BRANCHES WE WERE A TEAM WHEN WE ORGANIZED MANITYOBA BRANCHES WITH MACHINE POSTING AN ALL THE NEW SYSTEMS TYHE BANK WAS IMPLIMENTING--HE WAS A DEDICATED AN STRONG SUPPORTER OF WHAT THE RBC WAS INSTRAMENTAL IN BRINGING THE RBC UP TO THE EXPANDING BANKING CHANGES---IT SEEMS HE ALWAYS LISTENED TO WHAT THE STAFF HAD TO SAY OR SUGGEST AN WOULD MAKE THEM PART OF THE TEAM -YES HE THOUIGHT THE WORLD OF HIS FAMILY---REST IN PEACE BUDDY SCOTTY - Posted by: DAVID(SCOTTY)AN ELAINE MCLAREN (FRIEND An COLLEAGUE) on: Apr 05, 2026
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Laurie, my heartfelt condolences to you & your family as you grieve the loss of your dad. He sounds like he was an amazing individual. May he rest in peace. - Posted by: Angela A (Royal Direct (now retired)) on: Apr 05, 2026
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JACK was a junior employee with a great attitude.A good hockey player and good worker who laterin his career was main branch manager and was agood team player at work and in other areas.I amnow 91 years old and living in White Rock BC. MY condolances to his family andfriends. Vern Fast - Posted by: vern fast (co-worker at RBC at william & SHERBROOK WPG) on: Apr 04, 2026
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My deepest condolences on the loss of your dad Jack. I worked with Jack at RBC Business Banking Main Branch - Discount Dept in the 1980’s. Jack was a very kind man and respected by his colleagues. I later was privileged to work with his son Robb who had the same hard working ethic as his dad. Thinking of the entire Ritchie family at this time of your loss. Rest in peace Jack. - Posted by: Marlene Piel (Colleague, Friend) on: Apr 04, 2026
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One of the finest men I ever worked with in R.B.C. (Main & Selkirk late 60's to early 70's). I will always remember him as a hard worker and a great role model. We also found time to share many laughs. Excellent obituary, Meagan. May he rest in peace. - Posted by: Brian W Carlisle (Co-worker) on: Apr 04, 2026
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Although I did not know Jack personally l heard plenty of great things about him. My condolences to his family. - Posted by: Merv Pawluk (Associate) on: Apr 04, 2026
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Dad, you were truly my best friend. Our road trips to Toronto, the music, the talks—those were some of the best moments of my life. Watching you with my kids meant everything. They absolutely lit up when they saw you—you were their biggest fan and always their good luck charm. The love you had for them was so special, and something they will carry with them forever. I will miss you more than I can ever put into words. I truly don’t know how to navigate this life without you, but I will hold onto every memory we made together. - Posted by: Meagan (Daughter) on: Apr 04, 2026
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I am grateful and lucky to have had Jack as my father-in-law for 21 years. Jack accepted me as his son’s husband from day 1 and treated me like one of his own. Did he serve me pancakes with a side of lasagne for Christmas Brunch? Yes. Did he raise an eyebrow when I tried to recreate a scene from Titanic on the front of his boat? Also yes. But was he one of the only men to ever accept me for being my authentic self from the moment we met? Absolutely. And for these facts, and many more, I will always be thankful. Rest easy, Jack. Thank you. - Posted by: Geret (Son-in-Law) on: Apr 04, 2026
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Thank you, Dad. Everything that needed to be said is said above. But let me just add this. You learned lessons spanning life, love, and everything else and then paid these lessons forward - from the virtues of a live Neil Diamond album to why travel matters so much to broaden our view of the world. Lessons heard and lessons learned. Thanks again, Dad. #ForeverInBlueJeans - Posted by: Robb Ritchie (Son) on: Apr 04, 2026