Richard William "Rit" London

RICHARD (RIT) WILLIAM LONDON
December 27, 1952 ˜ October 12, 2024

Richard (Rit) William London passed away on Oct. 12, 2024, at the age of 71 in Lexington, KY, after a short but intense battle with a brain tumor. He was born on Dec. 27, 1952, in Hollywood, CA, to the late Betty Bradley London and Richard Wayne London.

Rit attended Hudson’s Bay High School (Class of 1971), Evergreen State College and did his medical studies at the University of Washington.

Rit’s life was filled with a profound love for his family and an unwavering commitment to service. He was a beloved husband to Ellen Jenkins London for 49 years. A devoted father to Krista London Couture (Arthur) of Amman, Jordan, and Dr. Tessa London-Bounds (Walter) of Lexington, KY. His joy was multiplied by his grandchildren, Richard London Couture and Olivia Emma London Couture of Amman, Jordan, and Harrison Linton Cartwright and Freya London Bounds of Lexington. He is also survived by his brothers, Bradley Jack London and Roderick Craig London of Washougal, WA, as well as many more family members.

Rit’s career was a testament to his compassion and dedication to making the world a better place. He began his overseas journey with his wife, Ellen, serving together as Peace Corps volunteers in Lesotho and Belize, and later medically served in mission hospitals in rural Kenya. His career as medical officer with the Peace Corps spanned three decades, with postings in Kenya, Morocco, Ethiopia, Bangladesh, Thailand, and assignments across Africa, Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

In 2017, he returned to the United States and worked as a medical provider for the Bluegrass Community Health Center in Lexington, KY, where he continued to inspire and heal those around him. Rit’s impact and legacy on humanity will continue to be felt around the world by thousands who were touched by his kindness, compassion, caring, and respect.

His passions included basketball, rock climbing, travel, hiking, kayaking, always seeking the road less traveled, embracing every challenge and adventure that life presented.

A private memorial graveside service was held for immediate family Oct. 18, 2024, at the Lexington Cemetery. Another service will take place in June of 2025 in Lexington for family and friends. There will be subsequent services at places close to his heart in Thailand, France and Washington state.

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