Herbert L. Ritter Jr.

RITTER,
Herbert L. Jr.
"Bert"

Passed away on November 27 at home with his family by his side in Spokane, WA. Mr. Ritter was a native of Spokane, son of Marguerite and Herbert L Ritter. When skiing at Sun Valley, ID in 1961, he met and married Catherine Dickie from Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Following a six month trip around the world the couple settled in Spokane where Bert owned and operated Ritter Drug Store at Monroe and Indiana for some 30 years. Bert loved to travel and had the honor of visiting over 35 countries around the world during his life.
He is survived by his wife Catherine; two children, and five grandchildren. His son Herbert L Ritter III, an Electrical Engineer with an MBA and works for Schneider Electric, lives in Pleasanton, CA with his wife Cathy and two children James (14) and Patricia (12). His daughter Dr. Mary Ritter Heitkemper, has a PhD in Educational Leadership and is the Director of the Career Center at Gonzaga University and lives in Spokane with her husband Peter and three children, Katie (15), Madeline (13) and Peter (10)
The Ritter Drug Company was founded in Spokane by Bert's grandfather in 1899. Bert's father operated the company from 1921 until 1950 at which time Bert took over until he closed the doors in 1983. The drug stores were located in Spokane on Division and Wellesley, Howard and Sprague, Third and Washington, and Monroe and Indiana.
Bert graduated from Lewis and Clark High School, attended Washington State University, Gonzaga University, and New York University. Bert was a World War II Veteran, serving two years as an army officer in the infantry.
Bert was an Eagle Scout and active in scouting, serving on the Inland Empire Council executive committee. He received the Silver Beaver Award for service. Bert also served the Inland Empire Girl Scouts on the financial committee and served on the United Crusade and was active in the Spokane chapter of the American Red Cross as First Aid Chairman and Safety Service Chairman as well as being a swimming instructor.
During the Spokane Expo year Bert was named the Vice President for the Chamber of Commerce. Bert served as President of the Allied Music and Arts Association. He served on the Board of Directors for Fidelity Bank and has always been an active member in Rotary. He was a multiple Paul Harris Fellow and served Rotary as a Group Leader for exchange students.
In later years Bert was active in Real Estate management and development and was a member of the Spokane Board of Realtors. He always said his hobby was to collect old buildings.
Visitation will be Thursday, December 2, from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, December 3, at 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 210 E. Rockwood Blvd. The committal services with military honors will be at 2:30 PM at Holy Cross Cemetery, Mausoleum Chapel, 7200 N Wall. Please visit Bert's online tribute and leave a condolence at www.hennesseyfuneralhomes.com. Memorial contributions may be made to Catholic Charities, PO Box 1453, Spokane, WA 99210-1453. Arrangements by