Leon J. Ritchie

Leon J. Ritchie 1914 ~ 2003  It's not unusual for Leon Ritchie to leave his home at 4:05 a.m. he has been doing that every morning (seven days a week) for 68 years, but on December 17, 2003, he 'left' at the designated time, but this time it was not to deliver his thousand newspapers, but instead, to have a reunion with his parents and all of his brothers and sisters – some of whom he has not seen for over 70 years. Leon died peacefully, at the age of 89, with his wife of 66 years and many of his family by his side, following a bout with cancer, years of hard work, and maybe even a little age. (Maybe he was also dyslexic, as he always said he wanted to outlive his father, James, who died when he was almost 98.) Leon married Elda Robbins, February 7, 1938, in the Salt Lake LDS Temple and had two sons, Keith Leon (Vera Butler of Kamas) and James William (Carolyn Orton of St. George). He was very proud of his 14 grandchildren and 'nearly' 41 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents (James and Annie) and six brothers and sisters (Clifford, Wilson, Stanley, Thelma Brown, Ellen Rogers, and Venice Rosevear). Leon's 89 years were packed full: 68 years as the Salt Lake Tribune Distributor (probably a world record), poultry farm and egg business, chicken hatchery, feed mill, motel, farm store, Lion's Club #1 broom salesman, Chamber of Commerce officer, Highway 40 Association officer, Utah Motel Association officer, Heber Creeper Board member, church worker and volunteer extraordinaire. He and Elda served two LDS missions, one to South Dakota and another to the Philippines. He was a very dedicated Provo Temple worker for many years – he especially loved his volunteer time in the laundry. Leon will always be remembered for his quick wit, positive attitude, honesty, hard work and frugality. Celebrating his birthday on the 4th of July, he often joked with his grandchildren reminding them that the entire nation was celebrating his birthday. (Interesting that he chose Christmas to depart, again, a time he knew we would all celebrate.) Funeral services will be held Monday, December 22, 2003 – 11:00 a.m. in the Heber 1st Ward Building, 365 East 500 North, Heber City. Friends may call on Sunday from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Olpin-Hoopes Funeral Home, 288 North Main Street, Heber City, and on Monday from 9:45 – 10:45 a.m. prior to the services at the LDS Church. Interment will be in the Heber City Cemetery. Leon's final mortal words, barely audible, were spoken to some of his grandchildren the night before he died, " Hurry Back", he said. We now know he had a more eternal meaning to his request. The family would like to thank Applegate Homecare, especially Laurie, Donna. Sarah and Matt, for their short, but very compassionate, time with our father and grandfather, and for providing such comfort to our mother and grandmother during this tender time. The family would also like to extend an opportunity to anyone who may have a special memory of Leon to share that memory with the family at the following email address: james@ritchieenterprises.com