Samuel H. Ritter

Samuel Ritter Obituary

Samuel H. Ritter

Samuel ("Sam") Henry Ritter, 82, returned to the High Country on Saturday, May 7, 2011. He died from complications of Cancer. Sam was born in 1929 at the family home in the Johnson Creek area (near Tenino). The family later moved to Lk. St. Clair where he grew up hunting, fishing, swimming and bare back riding. Sam attended Lacey Elementary, Washington Middle School and Olympia HS. He enlisted in the Navy in 1943 and served in both WW2 and the Korean War. He was a Navy Seal and worked in special demolitions. He worked at Olympia Sand and Gravel driving truck, owned and managed his own home mechanical business. He worked at Dept. of Natural Resources' Cedar Creek Youth Camp where he took crews to E. WA to battle forest fires. He also operated heavy machinery while leading crews to "punch In" roads and parks in Capitol Forest, creating areas you may enjoy now. He retired from DNR, State Motor Pool where he oversaw maintenance and reservations for a large fleet of state vehicles. After retirement he worked for Buchanan and Sons, camping in the "High Country" and guarding logging equipment with his wolf dog, Zak. Sam collected guns and was an antique car enthusiast. He enjoyed wood carving and created unique furniture and toys. He was well versed in outdoor survival techniques. He loved animals and nature. He was especially fond of his dogs, Zak, Grizz, Ian and Ian 2. He was a gardener, wood craftsman, poet, bird and wild life observer and had a knack for cooking. He was a great storyteller and could captivate persons of all ages. Over his lifetime Sam made many friends among the Native American tribes including the Nisqually, Squaxin and Skokomish. Klahowa friends.
Sam is survived by his daughters, Darla Ritter, Rena (Tom) Patch, grandchildren, Norma King, Ben Patch, Melissa (Justin) Hendrix, Amanda (James) Hanrahan, and James Windham. He has four great-grandchildren, Amos, Corbin, Tegan and Peyton. He is survived by his sister, Sunny "Edna" Dunn-Linn and niece, Patti Ragel. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Ravena and his brother, John Ritter. His is also survived by his close friend Gloria Noceti.
A celebration of life is planned for Sunday, May 22 at the Old Delphi Schoolhouse 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. 7601 Delphi Road SW, Olympia. A late lunch will be provided. Donations may be made to the Black Lake FD, Delphi Schoolhouse or American Cancer Society. Please visit www.Woodlawn-Funeral.com to leave condolences.

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Published by The Olympian on May 19, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Samuel Ritter

4 Entries

Janelle Baldwin

May 22, 2011

Dear Darla,
My deepest sympathy to you and all your family in the loss of your dear Sam. It is such a loss when we lose a parent. It was such a joy to read his obit and hear about such a unique, accomplished and interesting individual. May the memory of the gifts he gave to this world help you through this time.
Your friend always,
Janelle Baldwin

Roy E. Friis

May 20, 2011

Sam Ritter Family:
I first met Sam in 1964-65 when I was working for the DNR administering timber sales in the Capitol Forest being logged/sawmilled by the Skillman Brothers. I needed some welding done and they suggested I see Sam at "Ritters Roost" on the Delphi Road. That started a long relationship as I visited him in his shop on many occasions. In 1981 I called Sam to find out if he still had the "Little Mack" that I had remembered seeing in his shop. He said that he still had it and we "made a deal". We met on the Nels Road where he had it stored. We started it up and I drove it home to Schneiders Prairie. We used it for a couple years then decided it need a bit of restoration work which was done by an individual in south Olympia. Somewhere along that time, I was direced to "Mr. Mack of the Northwest", Bob Brown, in Federal Way for some Mack parts. Bob talked me into joining the Northwest Chapter of ATHS (American Truck Historical Society). I became acitve in ATHS and was elected Northwest Chapter President in 1995 and still hold the office. "Sam's Mack" has been in Truck Shows and parades all over the Northwest every year since 1983. The attached pictures of Sam and "His Mack" were taken by me at our Annual Northwest Chapter Antique Truck Show at the Mason County Fairgrounds in August 2000.
Sam built the bed and boom for the Mack and could still identify every part and where it came from. We still use "His Mack" to yard logs and haul wood from our Tree Farm off of Shawn Drive in the Delphi Valley. The neighbors still wave when I drive by with "Sam's Mack".
Indicidentally, when the DNR Thurston District needed an Equipment Operator back in the '60's, I stopped by Sam's Shop one day and told him that he should apply for the job - he did and got the job - running the Eimco - a weird rear engine dozer.
I have very fond memories of my association with Sam and will never forget him - especially every time I drive "Sam's Mack" - and work with many of the tools I bought from him.
Roy E. Friis

May 19, 2011

Dear Ritter Family - We always looked forward to Sam's trips to Port Angeles with Ian. We've never known anyone so full of life and so friendly.The stories of his life and adventures will always be with us and our lives are better for having known him. The McPherson Family

May 19, 2011

Dear Darla and Rena and All family, I am so sorry to hear of Sam's passing. I will always remember Sam's stories and coming to your house on Delphi to see both your Mother Rae and your Dad. Many fun times and really good coffee. It is hard to think of how old we are and our Parents are leaving us. Take care and my thoughts and prayers are with you. I will see you Sunday. Sandra Monroe (Swearingen )

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