William "Bud" Ritchie

1940 - 2025

William "Bud" Ritchie

October 17, 1940 - January 21, 2025

MIDDLE GRANVILLE - A working man - the salt of the earth. Bud Ritchie was his work. Stubborn and opinionated; but fair, reliable, honest and generous to those in need. Bud passed away peacefully on January 21, 2025 at Glens Falls Hospital surrounded by his family.

He credited his start in business to Glenn Hooper, owner of Hooper Construction Company, where he learned and worked as an equipment operator for many years before going into his own trucking/gravel/excavation business in 1974. His son Clarence joined him in the business in 1984, thus creating a true father and son business.

A native of Granville and proud of it, Bud was born on October 17, 1940, the son of William "Bill" and Emma (Haskins) Ritchie, but raised by his grandparents John and Florence Ritchie from his early childhood.

Bud was a 1960 graduate of Granville High School. Immediately following his graduation he entered into the U.S. Marine Corp which he felt was his duty. He took part in the Cuban Blockade in the early 1960's on a ship off the shores of Cuba. He enjoyed telling stories of his military service. He obtained the rank of Corporal. One of his favorite duties was service as the chauffeur for a Colonel. He often told the story, with his familiar half smile, about how the Colonel instructed him that since they were on the ship and his driving duties were not needed during this time, therefore it was his duty every morning to start the jeep to assure its good and ready running condition. When they encountered each other for the first time of each day, the Colonel's first words were always, "Ritchie. Did you start the jeep?" His service was a truly awe inspiring experience, particularly for a small town boy from Granville.

During the winter months, he took a break from the rigors of his business and looked forward to and loved cutting logs. This was Bud's idea of relaxation. As anyone who knew him was aware, he wasn't a fan of being a "Florida snowbird", but the rare times he chose to go he enjoyed the flea markets and auctions and catching up with their many friends who did enjoy being snowbirds and eating at a new variety of restaurants. He and Sandy enjoyed attending many auctions throughout the area. Bud enjoyed going to Old Orchard Beach and an added bonus was attending the opening of the Oxford Casino. He was a lifelong deer hunter and looked forward to hunting season each year. But if he wasn't working, his other true enjoyment was spending time at home. He loved opportunities to be with his children, whom he loved dearly and was extremely proud of and then welcomed the grandchildren who brought him much joy as well (even though he didn't always show it, it was in his heart).

Bud was predeceased by his parents, Bill and Emma; his grandparents, John and Florence; and a sister, Colleen Hooper. He will be greatly missed by his beloved wife of 60 years, Sandra (McGlaughlin); and his children, Clarence (Jodie) of Middle Granville and Maureen Jones (Chris) of Hartford. He was blessed with two beautiful grandchildren, Anthony and Marissa Jones. He is also survived by three siblings, Karla Miller (Dick), Bonnie Pratt (Doran) and Michelle Shaw; along with a large extended family.

Bud's life took a turn when he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. As many are aware, this disease is not for the faint of heart. As strong of a man as he was, he was forced to succumb to its debilitating evils. The first of many was having to give up his winter sojourn to his woodlot at 79 years of age. He could no longer use a chainsaw as Parkinson's took its toll. A sad day indeed for him.

He was blessed to have his wife Sandy by his side, throughout this journey, making the wedding vows of "in sickness and in health" be more than words. He was grateful for the help extended by his children and many friends. Especially the visits and taking Bud for rides and out to lunch which he really enjoyed.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Glens Falls Hospital, and Tower 3 staff for the care and considerations seemingly above and beyond, given to him and the family during his end of life stay. The family would also like to acknowledge and thank his very dear friend Eric Ely for his daily visits and drives with Bud through the countryside checking on different quarrying operations and keeping up on the gossip in the valley. On these trips he especially enjoyed meeting up with his nephew John Pratt who helped keep Bud in the "know" about what was going on in the area and dinners with his cousin Jack McKeighan.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2025 at the Robert M King Funeral Home, 23 Church Street, Granville, NY from 1 to 3 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m. There will be a graveside funeral held in the spring at the Rupert Street Cemetery in Rupert, Vt. at a time to be announced.

In honor of Bud's military service the family requests that anyone wishing to honor Bud make a memorial donation to the Granville VFW, 9 North Street, Granville, NY 12832.