BREMERTON, Wash. — Marvin Banks Ritchie Jr., 78, died in Bremerton on May 17, 2015. He was born in East Bend, North Carolina, Nov. 5, 1936, to the late Marvin Banks Ritchie and Mary Williams Ritchie. He died after a short illness complicated by the effects of Agent Orange to which he was exposed while serving in Vietnam. Banks grew up in Yadkinville and Greensboro, North Carolina, becoming an outstanding athlete for the Greensboro Senior High School Whirlies. In 1954, the Greensboro Senior High Whirlies were the undefeated state champions in football and he was named a Wig-Wam All-American football player. Banks played in the Shrine Bowl game in Charlotte that year. In 1955, he entered Duke University on a football and academic scholarship. After finishing at Duke, he entered the USAF pilot training program in 1959 and earned his wings. He flew multi-engine aircraft during his time in the Air Force. In 1964, he met Susan Claggett at an event held for tall people and they were married Oct. 24, 1964. In 1966, Banks went to work for Northwest Airlines. There he flew a variety of aircraft. At the time of his retirement, he was a captain on the 747-400. After retirement, he enjoyed traveling, cooking and sports. Banks will be remembered for his stories of flying, for his snappy comebacks, and as a great friend. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Susan Claggett Ritchie of the home; one son, Samuel Todd Ritchie and wife, Elena, of Seattle; one daughter, Sarah Brooke Ritche, in Geneva, Switzerland with the U.S. State Department; and one brother, William Joseph Ritchie and wife, Judy, of Glade Valley, North Carolina. The family requests any remembrances be made to one's favorite charity in his name. The home address is P.O. Box 401, Grapevine, WA 98546.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
HERB MORAN
May 26, 2023
I remember him well as we were both fairly new to NWA. He was a lovable bear but after his recall to the airforce stint, he came back more subdued. A wonderful smart man. I think the Carolina friendliness stuck to him well.
Lou FIELACK
June 12, 2015
Marv hold 'er steady on due
West- I'll be joining up on you in right echelon formation in a few.
Lou Fielack
USAF Pilot Training Class 61-F
Robert Campbell
June 10, 2015
I went through Class 61-F Air force Pilot Training with Marv. He was a good friend. It's said to "live your life so that when you are gone ... you'll be missed". Marv fits that truism. My sympathy goes out to his family.
HARRY BEDROSSIAN
June 4, 2015
SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT MARV. I FLEW WITH HIM WHEN HE FIRST STARTED WITH NWA. HE WAS A GREAT GUY TO HAVE AS PART OF THE CREW BECAUSE HE KNEW HIS JOB AND DID IT AS A PROFESSIONAL WITH EASE.
Herb Moran
June 2, 2015
I first met Marv when he signed on with NW Airlines and I was a Purser flying to the Far East . He was such a great guy and a bit of a humble giant who filled up the second officer seat and most of the cockpit with both his size and personality. Humble, respectful and curious about those of us with whom he worked he was always positive and I was happy to be on a crew in which he was flying. I was so happy to see him after he returned from a serious stint back with the USAF during the Vietnam War. He came back a bit more subdued and I am sure he carried some baggage from that experience. Thanks Marv, always a gentleman and I like to think that you might remember most of us with whom you flew wherever you are now flying
".. through the immensity of space,, the eternity of time, and the vastness of the Universe...".
Herb Moran
Ladera Ranch, California
June 2, 2015
Drawing close to the God of all comfort will give the family hope and peace during these trying times....
Lyle Prouse
June 2, 2015
Marv was one of the really good guys at Northwest Airlines and a pleasure to work and be with. I'm sad and sorry to hear of his passing.
Lyle Prouse
Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreYou may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read moreThese free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read moreSome basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more