Brian Thomas Ritchie

Brian Thomas Ritchie

Brian Thomas Ritchie, age 55, passed away peacefully on May 30, 2015 surrounded by family and friends. Brian was born August 21, 1959 in Saginaw Michigan, to Mary Shields and Alexander (Al) Ritchie. He grew up in Traverse City Michigan where he graduated from high school in the class of 1977. Brian was a graduate of the Business School at the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor and obtained his law degree from the University of Montana. Brian was a long time resident of Seattle where he practiced law for over 25 years.

Best known for spinning a tall tale, leading you into a fierce debate, and winning every argument he was fierce and unrelenting in his commitment to his clients' welfare. His commitment extended to assisting those without resources, and 20 years of volunteer work with the Country Doctor Legal Clinic.

But most of all, his mission was to make you laugh. He went to great lengths to plot a practical joke, stage a ruse, or deliver an entire story that simply ended in a punch line. As Brian would say, "Why tell the simple facts when with a few embellishments you can have a great story."

Devoted to his children and family life, Brian coached multiple T-ball, baseball, and soccer teams through the years. He loved the outdoors: fishing of any kind, sailing and skiing.

Brian is survived by his wife Susan (Gray) Ritchie, daughter Lydia Montana Ritchie and son Benjamin Skye Ritchie, and by siblings Barbara Ritchie, Kevin Ritchie, and Maureen Apple.

He is preceded in death by his parents, brother Robert Ritchie, and daughter Emily Ann Ritchie.

An informal memorial reception will be held at Portage Bay Cafe on Roosevelt Way on Monday June 8th from 6:00 - 8:00 PM. In lieu of flowers please contribute in Brian's memory to the King County Bar Foundation (in support of pro bono legal clinics) or to the charity of your choice.