We Remember
RITCHIE, John Llewellyn
January 20, 1932 — June 28, 2023
John’s Gone
The Family of, John Ritchie, sadly announce his peaceful passing, at age 91, on June 28, 2023.
John, was sadly predeceased by his loving wife, Doreen, on July 14, 2016, and his parents Rae and Ruby Beryl. John, was also predeceased by his brothers William and Kenneth, and his sisters Ellen Black (née Ritchie) and Margaret Nicholson (née Ritchie). He is survived by his adoring younger brother David (who called his brother, John, daily); his six children: Stu (Linda), Lindsay McFadden (Frank), Sandra Howe (Jim), Cathay Herron (Bob), Georgia Husby (David- predeceased), Gini (Tim- predeceased); along with 17 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, 6 step-grandchildren, and 11 step great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces and nephews.
John, was born in Kelowna, BC on January 20, 1932. He graduated from Kelowna Secondary School. John, was a competitive athlete and an avid outdoorsman. From high school basketball to provincial senior lacrosse. He enjoyed being a member of the Kelowna Racquetball Club as well as the “Nooners” Tennis Club. John, was the flawless “lob king” terror on the tennis courts at the Kelowna Golf and Country Club. Where once he rode his horse across the golf course greens, apparently arriving late for a match. Many a spectator regaled to the spectacle of his antics being performed down on the courts. John loved an audience.
John’s love for the outdoors was epic: Hunting his passion shared with friends. Never a trophy hunter. Memorable time spent at the campfire of bush tent camps in the camaraderie of old friends. He loved his prairie shootings with his pointer dog, Ingemar, at his side. A cracker jack shot. His fly-fishing talents second to none, perfectly placed flies a pleasure for all to watch. Schwartz enjoyed with many a friend, or family a game of cards or sharing a wiley wager. A card shark of a bridge partner. He had the thrill of holding a “once in a lifetime” 29 hand in cribbage. It was not uncommon for Ritchie to wager on the wild and obscure. He once wagered a fiver with all takers as to which wall the fly would land on! Shaw Springs, his retreat, where all the wild rodeo horse rides started with his posse of cowboys and cowgirls. A real buckaroo!
Schwartz’s 8, granted John abundant entertainment cruising Okanagan Lake. Everyone would recognize the familiar party-central, green houseboat. Family ski weekends, in the early days, up at Big White. John, could be heard yodelling while schussing the downhill. (Really, he was actually screaming). John had a penchant for pranks. Many of us victims of his gleeful, trademark pranks. All of us left in stitches, laughing at his quick wit. He really was a remarkably funny guy! Often quoted, “Too many good stories ruined by sticking to the facts”!
John’s quick-minded intelligence mixed with his entrepreneurial spirit. These attributes were his allies in the birth of Ritchie Bros Auctioneers. Combined with the brilliance and determination of brothers, Ken and David, the company of auctioneers would grow to international stature.
John, with Doreen, travelled well and extensively with family, friends, and as a couple. Always returning to their dreamy Okanagan. John, remained until the end devoted to his Kelowna. Always a visionary, he participated in this town’s growth. Joining in service and social clubs. His resourcefulness was always looked upon and appreciated by organizations, such as Gyro and the Kelowna Club. Anybody who met John immediately became a friend, many for life.
As John’s children, we loved, respected, and admired our father. Six grateful children more than thankful and appreciative for our lives and for everything Dad did for us. What a team, John and Doreen. John’s grandchildren were the focus of his lessons, learned with a sense of humour. Such as, “Praise the Lord and pass gas.” Papa and Grams, you will always be our sunshine. Now at last, you are at your final rest, John, you are now with your sunshine.
What an amazing life well lived!
There will be no service as requested by Schwartz.
In John Ritchie’s memory, there will be an
Unreserved Public Auction
April 1st
conducted at the corner of Abbott and Costello.
Stu, Lindsay, Frank, and family, my sincere condolences on the passing of John.
May your memories help you through this difficult time.
My condolences to the family and beyond. I never got to know uncle John, but reading some of the obituary gives me a hint of his worldly personality.
Brenda Routley (nee Hopkins)
To the Ritchie family.
John was a one of a kind. They broke the mould when he was made.
My first Auction with Ritchie Bros was in 1970 in Prince George. That started a long friendship with John, Dave, Dick, Russ, and Frank. John was part of the reason anyone came to the Auction. His quick wit and humor was part entertainment but all business. We remained friends all these years.
He will be missed.
Gordon and Judy geddes
My Dad, William (Bill) Hopkins often spoke of John and his cousin Doreen. Always good things to say. Am so happy that they were able to attend the Family Reunion back in I believe it was 1996 when Mom and Dad celebrated their 50th Anniversary. We tried to get in touch with as many of Mom and Dad’s cousins as we could and happy results came when all of Doreen’s sisters were able to attend and reunite. Family members, please feel free to contact me, I’d love to here from any or all of you. I’m the eldest…..Mom passed away in 2010, Dad in 2013…. My deepest condolences to all family members. Patricia (Pat)…
John was truly a unique individual and a great tennis lobber of renown
He and Bill Bennet sent me on a hazardous journey on the unfinished Connector trying to get back to Vancouver faster after a tennis match at KG&CC
I will always Romberg that journey and him
Sorry to hear about John. Condolences to all the family. John was a friend for many years
Such a fun vibrant full life man. I remember going to Nooners… What a fabulous well live life.
What a man and what a life! John was such a treasure and such a good friend to my parents Henry and Lou Luknowsky, and our whole family. It was a friendship that began in childhood in Kelowna and never wavered, they all married around the same time , raised their families and later played bridge at the cabin, joked, laughed and told the funniest stories until the end, pranking each other was the best! The picture is from my Dad’s 80 th birthday. John was a man of integrity and a good guiding light, he was grounded by his family and a great sense of humour, we were all better by knowing him. He will be missed, but he and Doreen left a great legacy.
CONDOLENCES to you, David, and all the Ritchie family. I lived just down the alley from the big house and have such fond memories from those good old days and knowing all your family including your parents.
Our heartfelt condolences to the Ritchie family. John rest in peace will always remember the twinkle in your eye and how you made everyone feel special. Your sense of humour was always enjoyed. Rest in Peace John you will never be forgotten.
Gord and Luanne Chore
John was such a unique individual – he had such a good instinct for what makes us all tick.
– he was a master at getting your attention as you never knew what he was going to do or say next.
All of us can recall countless times where John brightened our lives with humorous incidents that won’t be forgotten.
Underneath it all John was a thoughtful, caring, husband, father & friend.
We will all miss him.
Bruce & June Butcher & Family
We’re sending lotsa love to your family on the loss of your dad. He was for sure a legend in so many ways. He’ll be missed.
A man that always made me laugh A few nights around a campfire and a few drams in Christian ValleyAnd no John I don’t owe you 50 Bucks
Sincerest sympathy to all the Ritchie family in the loss of John, a very big loss to you all. I remember so many wonderful family get togethers and treasure them. With love, Diane Margaret and Craig
To the Ritchie family our sincerest sympathy. We remember many family get togethers with love,from Diane ,Margaret and Craig
This picture was taken at Dave and Diane’s 50th wedding Anniversary
I met John while he was living in Vancouver, WA. He joined our local tennis club & I quickly latched on to him as a tennis partner for local tournaments. He could absolutely confound our opponents with his slicing, lobbing & continuous banter, We had some great wins & celebrations afterward. When I left home to play in a tournament, my wife’s standard comment was “See you at midnight”. He was one of a kind! We had some losses too, but they were celebrated with equal enthusiasm!
Dear Ritchie’s,
I am sending this condolence after listening to a few of the memories my mother has of your dad. The Kelowna boys were inseparable during and post KGCC tennis, at Big White, hooking the big one, Gyros and knocking on doors during elections. The afternoon of sporting often continued until late, very, very late. Sometimes they conjured up pranks such as replacing cash registers at their buddies “smoke shop” on Bernard or requesting to be seated as “couples “in the Royal Anne. We really did have a lot of fun back then. Last year I was pleased to visit most of the Ritchie’s at Audrey’s tribute, and, it was also nice to meet some of John/Doreen’s grandchildren. I trust you will embrace his unique spin on life and play with a bit less enthusiasm than he did. Liz and Bob Curell
So sorry Lindsay, Sandra, Cathay, Stu and families to hear about your Dad! My sincere condolences.
I have so many wonderful, fun & happy memories that began around 1969 at my first party with a live band in your backyard on Ethel Street. Your parents were always so welcoming and never a dull moment! Your are in my thoughts & I send love to you all!