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John Ritchie Obituary
John Ritchie passed away peacefully on April 24 in San Francisco after a long illness. He was 89.
Mr. Ritchie was born on September 23, 1924, into a military family. He grew up on army bases throughout the US and attended high school in Honolulu. After graduation from Yale, he came west when his parents settled in the Presidio. In 1950, he joined Coldwell Banker in San Francisco and later formed his own real estate firm, Ritchie & Ritchie. The brokerage continues today as Ritchie Commercial under son, Mark.
Mr. Ritchie served on the San Francisco Planning Commission and the Landmarks Board during key periods of growth. He was a fighter for preservation and in recognition the city named him a "Living Landmark" in 1970. He had an abiding interest in California history and served as president of the California Historical Society, was a member of the California Heritage Council, and was Noble Grand Humbug of E Clampus Vitus, Yerba Buena Chapter. During a trip to Provo, Utah, to commemorate the centennial of the laying of the Golden Spike, he became interested in the Mormon Church and converted in 1971.
His interests weren't just local. When he wasn't sporting his trademark red bandanna, he might be in a kilt for a St. Andrews Society event, attending a tea ceremony as president of the Japan Society, or serving in his role as Honorary Consul of Uruguay.
Known by those closest to him as "JR," Mr. Ritchie is survived by his wife of 62 years, Suzanne Ritchie, his children Randolph, Charlotte, Mark and Tori, and two granddaughters, Harriet and Bennett. He was predeceased by his brother, Dick Ritchie.
At his request, the memorial will be a family sendoff in Honolulu. The family asks that those who knew him bid JR a fond aloha.
The family would like to thank Patrice Villars, Anne Kelly, Hilary, Lauren, Jamey, and the rest of the staff at the San Francisco VA hospice unit for their incredible care.
Donations in his name may be made to the St. Andrews Society of SF at 1088 Green St, SF, 94133, or the SF VA CLC Hospice www.sanfrancisco.va.gov/giving/.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Ritchie
5 Entries
Jim & Lorraine Brinton
May 3, 2014
John was one of those men we will never forget! What a privilege to know him and to be his neighbor at Glenbrook. We are saddened by his loss but have so many fond memories of him that we shall always cherish.
Our condolences to Sue and all the family.
Larry Power
May 1, 2014
JR: Love you and miss you.
May 1, 2014
It was a pleasure and an honor to know and care for Mr. Ritchie. I'll picture him surfing the next I'm in Honolulu. All the best to Mrs. Ritchie and the rest of the family.
Lloyd Hanford
April 30, 2014
Sue, our most heartfelt condolences to you and the Ritchie family. Knowing John for over 50 years has been a privilege and a pleasure. He was truly "an original". Sadly, the real estate field has lost a true leader and professional.
April 30, 2014
sue
I never forgot Jjohn. he was instrumental in getting are grandfathers slot machine plaque.
Marshall Fey Peanuts
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