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Malcolm RITCHIE Obituary
News Death Notice
RITCHIE, Malcolm L. Malcolm Luther Ritchie, 94 years old, passed away on January 20, 2015 in Dayton, Ohio. He was born May 30, 1920 in Desdemona, Texas, the fourth son of George and Georgie Hinkle Ritchie. He is survived by his wife Roberta Ann Gossadge Ritchie, three children--Karen Ritchie (of Tucson, AZ), Jennifer Bowen (of Stamford, CT), and William Ritchie (of Dayton, Ohio), 4 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren. He was an Elder and Patriarch/Evangelist of the Community of Christ Church of Independence, MO. Malcolm was Professor of Engineering at Wright State University from 1969 to 1982, where he developed undergraduate and graduate programs in Human Factors Engineering. He held the status of Fellow in the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, the American Psychological Society, the Society of Engineering Psychologists, and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. He was an Associate Fellow of the American Institute for Astronautics and Aeronautics and a Life Senior Member of the Institute for Electrical and Electronic Engineers. In 1957 he founded the research firm of Ritchie Inc. with the specialty of research on the tasks of human operators of aircraft and space vehicles. As a subcontractor he was active in design of the first three US space vehicles--Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo. He was educated at Texas Tech, Graceland University, the University of California at Berkeley, and the University of Illinois, earning a Ph. D. in 1953. He was the first Dean of Students at Graceland College, now Graceland University, and was a member of its Board of Trustees for many years. A World War II Army pilot from 1941 to 1946, he was a B25 instructor for two years. He then flew 67 combat missions in the Pacific Theater as a P61 night fighter pilot. His memorial service will be Sunday, February 15 at 2:00pm at Beavercreek Community of Christ Church, 860 Grange Hall Rd., Beavercreek, OH 45430. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Graceland University, 1 University Place, Lamoni, IA 50140.
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Memories and Condolences
for Malcolm RITCHIE
Orville Rogers
August 6, 2016
Malcolm and I were good friends at La Junta CO, instructing Army Air Corps cadets in their final training before graduation with wings and commissions as 2nd Lt. We flew formation together many times, and in off duty hours we checked out T-6 trainers and did simulated dog fighting. We shared moral values and many other things and he would have been my best man
at our wedding Jun3, 1943, but was away from base on leave of absence between training classes.I considered him my best friend. He and Bobbie visited us in Dallas once, and by coincidence we met again the next day or so in Mexico City when they were vacationing there and I was on a turnaround Braniff flight. He will be greatly missed. Orville C. Rogers [email protected]
February 11, 2015
The Southern Ohio Chapter of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society extends our sincere condolences to Dr. Ritchie's family. Dr. Ritchie was a charter member of the Chapter, hosting those working the application process in his downtown Dayton office most weekends in the summer of 1964. Dr. Ritchie also served as Chapter President in 1966, as well as helping with student paper competitions and giving many presentations including one titled "Human Factors and the Smoking Dilemma" (1968) and others related to his research with computer generated displays, the management of human organizations, and human factors academic programs. Thanks to Dr. Ritchie's initiative 50 years ago and continued service, the Chapter continues to provide a forum for the exchange of ideas related to the human factors discipline.
February 4, 2015
My sincere condolence to Bobbie at this sad time. I share sorrow in the loss of Malcolm, a friend, fellow World War 2 veteran, and college classmate. His great life and accomplishments must remain alive and visible as inspiration to younger generations. May God bless him and keep him. Bob Kuhnert
February 4, 2015
Memories of Malcolm,
Malcolm was one of a group of ex-GI's who swelled Graceland's enrollment in 1945. He and my father Roy Cheville, formed a close friendship during Malcolm's years at Graceland that became deeper as time passed. Malcolm was a frequent guest in our home during those years. He drove a light green La Salle, which I greatly admired. Aficionados of automobiles agree this car was the best ever fabricated by G. M. Malcolm and the four Chevilles visited Adam Ondiamen , Hahn's Mill and Nauvoo in that lovely La Salle.
Our family maintained contact with Malcolm during his years at the University of California at Berkeley and we were more than glad to see him when he returned to Graceland as dean of students. He even returned with a lovely wife, Bobbie, and very soon a young daughter, Karen. My contacts with the new Dean during the Freshman year would make a sizeable list. I recall especially Thanksgiving the Chevilles enjoyed with the Ritchies in 1950, the warmth of the day, a simple closeness not requiring words. Malcolm and Bobbie were living in a tiny Quonset that faced eastward toward the college. During that year I even baby sat Karen a couple of times.
Time, Army (Korea) and more university passed before we crossed paths again. In the summer of 1956 I joined Malcolm and his staff at Wright Patterson Air Base to work on instrumentation of the F 105. Lila worked at the X ray Department of Miami Valley Hospital. We lived in the Briar Patch and had an interesting as well as productive summer. By that time Jenny and Bill had joined Karen in the family. Besides working we shared swimming and all that good families do.
I attended post doctoral courses in Medicine at the University of Cincinnati during three summers of the 1970's. The highlight of these summers was time spent in Dayton with the Ritchies. The highlight was repairing the swimming pool with Malcolm.
During the 1980's, Malcolm wrote a definitive Biography of Roy Cheville. I was privileged to be consultant, researcher and occasional Author for Malcolm. I especially treasure meeting in Morgantown West Virginia for a weekend of work on the biography, talk about our families and topics related to the soul.
Our last contact was 18 months ago when we visited Malcolm and Bobbie in Dayton. Our time together was of a quality to convince you that no matter what, life is good and love still wins. Our world is poorer for his absence but so much richer for our long years of friendship. Malcolm had a life well lived: of service, devotion, honest relations with others, loyalty to family and friends, and an interest in many subjects. He was our personal guide to the aviation museum outside of Dayton and it was absolutely fascinating to listen to his vast knowledge of the planes and aviation history. He will be missed
Richard and Lila Cheville
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John Sellars
February 3, 2015
Graceland University to call Malcolm Ritchie an alum. We are proud of his professional accomplishments and how he reached out to help others. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
John Sellars, President, Graceland University
Stephen Veazey
February 1, 2015
On behalf of World Church leadership, I want to express our sadness over the passing of Brother Ritchie. His insights, wisdom, and ministry will be greatly missed by the church. We also extend our sincerest condolences to all his family.
Daniel Waite
January 31, 2015
Malcolm and I visited several congregations of the Community of Christ in the Ohio District to encourage and pray with Pastors. Malcolm was an exceptional Minister. .
Alice Waite
January 31, 2015
I have fond memories of Bobbie and Malcolm and our families at Graceland University Summer board meetings. Much love and sympathy to all of you.
January 28, 2015
My sister and I remember your father fondly. He and your mother befriended our family when we first moved to Dayton. I am sure he and our mom and dad are playing bridge now in heaven.
Sincerely, Pamela White (Zimmerman) and Paula White Mulhern
Martin Arbagi
January 28, 2015
Leonor and I were saddened to learn of Dr. Ritchie's passing, and extend our condolences to Roberta.
Susan Lawson-Dawson
January 28, 2015
My heartfelt condolences for your loss. Malcolm was a blessing in my life as well. When my son Daniel was young and obsessed with WWII history, and the Air Force, Malcolm graciously invited us to visit. He shared many stories from his experiences and a sneak preview of the book he was writing. I will always be thankful that we had that opportunity to get to know more about Malcolm and that our country had someone like him to represent it.
Jeff Singerman
January 28, 2015
I was saddened to hear of the passing of your father. I pray that the God of all comfort will be near to you during these days and that His peace will be made known to you.
January 28, 2015
So pleased to have known him and sit under his ministry when ever possible. Love to Bobbi and the family at this special time.
Judy Keller, Lima, Ohio
Geo&Grace Farnell
January 27, 2015
We were all made richer because of the remarkable life of Brother Malcolm. He will be remembered for his humility and loving presence. Our hearts go out to Bobbie and the family. We will miss him.
Peace and Blessings,
BM
January 26, 2015
My sincere condolences to the family for the loss of your loved one. May prayers strengthen you and memories comfort you, and may our Lord Jesus Christ and God our Father, who loves us, comfort your hearts and "make you firm". (2 Thessalonians 2:16, 17)
January 26, 2015
The Wright State University Retiree's Association extends our condolances to
Dr. Ritchie's family . We also wish to acknowledge his many years of service to our University.
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