We Remember
RITCHIE, Donald James
June 29, 1933 — June 17, 2023
We sadly announce the passing of Don Ritchie on June 17, 2023, at the age of 89. He courageously battled back from heart disease, strokes, and cancers. After a long fight, he passed peacefully at the Kelowna General Hospital.
A resident of Kelowna since 1967, Don enjoyed an active life and a long teaching career. His spare time was spent with family, friends, travel, choirs, golf, fun, and lots of games. Most recently he filled his days with activities, fun, and excursions during his stay at the Dorchester.
Don was predeceased by his wife of 62 years, Val. He is survived by his children Heather (Stu), and David (Donna-Rose); grandchildren Duncan (Brittany), and Jennifer; and great-grandson Mason.
Live your life to the fullest every day, and stay connected to family and friends!
A Memorial Service and reception will be held on WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28, 2023, at 1:00 PM (PST), at Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC. If you are unable to attend in person, please join the family online by Livestream at the time of the service (see below), a recording will be made available to view shortly thereafter.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
LIVESTREAM:
Service
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28, 2023, at 1:00 PM (PST)
Location
Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC
Our deepest condolences Heather (Stu, Jennifer & Mason) and David (Donna, Duncan & Brittany). Our thoughts are very much with all of you. Your Dad will be miss a lot. Sending tons of love and hugs.
I am so very sorry for your loss. I only met him a few times during University days but he was a kind man who welcomed me into their family.. Rest in Peace Mr. Ritchie.
Our condolences to both Heather and David’s families! It’s been a long time since we have seen any of you but we still have very fond memories of both of your parents; visiting at either home or at our father’s office (with your mom). It’s hard to imagine that so much time has passed. Remember all of the good times that you had, to help comfort you during your sorrow. Linda and Patti (Ferguson)
We send sincere condolences to Heather and David and their families on the loss of their dear dad and granddad. We are so grateful that special occasions have brought us together in recent years. Auntie Gwen’s 100th birthday, our 50th wedding celebration (which brought Val & Don to the Kootenays) and a lovely visit with Val & Don on our way to Portugal in 2020 – We have lovely memories of Don and his wonderful smile and zest for life. We cherish these memories and will remember him always. Norm and Diane Watts – Nelson, BC
We were sorry to hear about Don’s passing we won’t be able to make it up for the funeral but will follow it on line..
I enjoyed Don being a neighbour here at the Dorchester very much. He was an asset in the Java Music Club, a joy to make greeting cards with, and a delight to have sing along with us with Christmas carols and the Hymn Sing. I loved hearing his story how he went to the auditions at the Community Theatre to hopefully join the chorus for the play, Kiss Me Kate. And he shockingly came home with the lead part! I also enjoyed the changing winsome sayings that he had posted on his door here at the Dorchester, thanks to the help a kind family member, he said. I will miss him a lot, yet I’m grateful he lived here. My heartfelt sympathies to his caring, wonderful family.
Don and Val were our dear neighbours and friends – and, in effect, parents and grandparents to ourselves and our children for almost 30 years. We were the youngest family on our street when we first moved here from Ontario, leaving behind everything dear and familiar. Their love and support meant more to us than I can say. Now we are the oldest couple on the street, and we will try to pay it forward. We have some big shoes to fill, but we hope that we’ll do them proud.
Much love to all.