Warren RITCHIE

WARREN RITCHIEAugust 18, 1932 - April 7, 2018 Dad died the way he lived - with decisiveness, a consideration for others, and an eagerness to embrace the next adventure. And he got the timing right... At 85, he died before he got old. Weeks before the stroke that claimed his life, he was regularly catching first tracks on the slopes of Holimont, and he was excited about his upcoming trip to Whistler. Skiing came second only to family in what made him happiest. He leaves behind children, Kelly, Stewart (Deb), Julie (Chris Byers); grandchildren, Sam, Jessica, Allison, Bridget and Libby; as well as nieces, Heather Bilodeau and MaryAnn McKenzie (Roy); and a handful of old friends. Warren was a man whose qualities were as diverse as they were admirable. True to his Port Arthur roots, he was a real outdoors man, with a love of nature, duck hunting and fishing. He was able to fix and build anything, skills garnered from turning fixer-uppers in Lorne Park Estates and Ellicottville, NY into beautiful living spaces. Privacy and natural beauty were key, and properties were always well tended yet authentic, from the periwinkle and impatiens in LPE to his 'lawn' in E'ville. Just last summer he was planting seed and pushing his mower across his 2+ acre property. As a father, he was strong, supportive, and relaxed. And though we knew he loved us, we were often afraid as kids of his quick - yet mercifully short-lived temper. Friends were not always spared from his exacting standards. Ever a generous and gracious host, you'd be met with a look of shocked disapproval if you asked for ice in your single malt, or your beef done any way other than rare. Heaven help the person cooking his burgers! He also had a healthy sense of fun. Friends still recount tales of late night jazz shows, boozy dinners, and terrifying drives down treacherously snowy (and closed) Whig Street. His gentle side was evident in the company of his grandchildren, his fondness for watching deer pass outside the chalet window, and his love of animals, especially cats. A thoughtful man, he endeared himself to owners of obscure yet excellent restaurants (God knows how he and mom found these places!) by giving small gifts like Red River Cereal or Canadian Back Bacon. A natural athlete, we learned late in his life about the races he won running against the older boys at St. Andrew's College. Throughout his career as a Chartered Accountant and his decade as Treasurer of Holimont, he showed great integrity and honesty. But by far the greatest love in his life was his 'best buddy', Glenna. Rarely are spouses more unified, and we are forever grateful for the loving example they set. Of course, as kids this gift was lost on us, as we tried (unsuccessfully) to muffle the sounds of their LPs playing late into the night as they snuggled on the couch with a bottle or 2 of red wine! Sad as we are to lose him, we can't help but feel happy that he and mom are now reunited, no doubt cruising down the best ski hills, drinking scotch, and tracking down where Glenn Miller is playing next. You got it right, dad. You are an inspiration to us all, and we have no doubt you will enjoy this next chapter with the same zest you did the last. Goodbye, dear dad. We love you and will miss you, always.