His family regrets to announce the passing of William James Ritchie. Bill was born in Lucknow, Ontario, the son of Alfred and Ellen Ritchie. A natural storyteller with endless curiosity about the world around him, Bill walked his own path. His relationships were not always easy, but he will be remembered by everyone who knew him as “a real character.”
Bill leaves behind his sister Donna Hodgins; children Laura Dawson, Christopher Ritchie, and Micah Beaton-Ritchie; former wife Darlene Beaton; grandchildren, nieces, and nephews; as well as countless relatives from the Ritchie and Burns clans.
A private memorial will follow at a later date. Thanks to the staff at London Health Sciences Centre for their compassionate end-of-life care. If you want to honour Bill’s memory, buy a cup of coffee for a stranger. He would have liked that.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 6 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Grand Bend, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $3/km (one way travel only).
Our condolences to the Ritchie families. I am sure Bill will be greatly missed by his many friends and family. Bill and my dad were first cousins so being a few years younger I only got to meet him much later in life when his mom passed. He was a very unique and interesting character having visited 104 countries over the years gaining an endless treasure trove of stories and life experiences. I really appreciated sharing family tree information and hearing Bill’s side of the story, in particular growing up in Lucknow. I am grateful to have had the privilege of sharing in his brain trust. I told him if he ever publishes his life memoirs I would be first in line. May he rest in peace.
Respectfully
Roy and Nancy Gardner
God rest your soul, Bill. We travelled the world together. I am going to miss you, your stories and all the advice that you have given me over the 25 years that I have known you. I especially remember our couple of trips to Belize and our treks throughout the many states in the US. I love you, my friend.
Sincerely, Peter