Douglas Ritchie

Notes:

ARNOLD JAMES RITCHIE June 8, 1911 - April 7, 2008 Peacefully, at the age of 96. Arn joined Peg, wife of 60 years, only 8 weeks after her passing. They are together again. Lovingly remembered by his children Doug (Donna) and Debie (Gary). He was a much loved Papa to Stefanie (Matt), Jessie, Mark, Jimi and Maggie. Raised on a farm in Douglas in the Ottawa Valley, A.J. was always interested in how things worked. In his youth he established a reputation for fixing things: bicycles, watches, clocks and motorcycles. He moved to Toronto in the early 1930's to study Diesel Engineering, but his fascination with watches led to an apprenticeship with a Toronto jeweller. Like many master watchmakers at the time, A.J. was recruited to serve in an aircraft instrument plant during WWII. In 1946 he and Peg established Ritchie Jewellers in North Toronto. He was in the first graduating class of the FGA (Gemmology) in Canada. For over 55 years he was a fixture in the community. A.J. loved his work and Ritchie Jewellers was home to him well into his 90's. His love of gems, watches, clocks and all things mechanical continued until the very end. Strong and varied interests included boxing, wood carving, banjo and fiddle contests. He was an avid outdoorsman, with fond memories of fishing, hockey and days on the Bonnechere River. Special thanks for all the love and support from Aunt Verna, friends and staff at St. Hilda's Retirement Residence. Friends may call at the Trull Funeral Home & Cremation Centre, 2704 Yonge Street (5 blocks south of Lawrence) on Thursday from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A Funeral Service will be held in the Chapel on Friday at 11:00 a.m. As an expression of sympathy, the family would appreciate donations to The Friends of Algonquin, Box 248, Whitney, Ontario, K0J 2M0, 613-637-2828.

Published in the Toronto Star from Apr. 9 to May 9, 2008

Arnold married Margaret Bernice McGibbon. Margaret was born on 27 Oct 1918; died on 10 Feb 2008. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

MARGARET BERNICE 'PEG' McGIBBON RITCHIE October 27, 1918 - February 10, 2008 Peacefully with her family by her side at the age of 89. She will be deeply missed by her loving husband of 60 years Arnold 'AJ' Ritchie. Lovingly remembered by her children Doug (Donna) and Debie (Gary) and her loving sister and best friend Verna and sister Mary. Predeceased by her mother Margaret, brothers Clifford 'Mackie', Jim and sister Doris. She was a much loved Nana to Stefanie (Matt), Jessica, Mark, Jimi and Maggie. She will be dearly remembered by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and children of family friends. She was raised on a farm near Creemore, Ontario by her loving grandfather David Smith. She much enjoyed her leadership role and volunteer endeavours during World War II and received special recognition from the federal government for her contributions. Following careers in office management and retail sales, she married Arnold. They founded Ritchie Jewellers, raised their family and became successful North Toronto property owners. Her biggest life accomplishment was her huge capacity for making and caring for her family and friends. From the girlfriends she has had for up to 70 years such as Carole, Marion, Cassie and Lucille, to her current friends at St. Hilda's, Peg was a people person who always made others feel special. She loved animals, gardening, reading and writing the most perfect letters with the most perfect penmanship. As an expression of sympathy, donations to the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals would be appreciated by the family. 1-888-668-7722 or www.ontariospca.ca Friends may call at the Trull Funeral Home & Cremation Centre, 2704 Yonge Street (5 blocks south of Lawrence) on Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. A funeral service will be held in the chapel Thursday afternoon at 1 o'clock. Special thanks to the compassionate staff of the North York General Hospital.

Published in the Toronto Star from Feb. 12 to Mar. 13, 2008

James married Clara Edith Briscoe on 15 Feb 1910 in Northcote, Ontario, Canada. Clara (daughter of James A. Briscoe and Alice Adeline Beach) was born on 7 Feb 1889 in Admaston/Bromley Township, Ontario, Canada; died on 3 Jan 1951 in Renfrew, Ontario, Canada; was buried in Douglas Public Cemetery, Douglas, Renfrew County, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Birth:
Bathurst Township, Upper Canada

Died:
Bromley Township, Ontario

James married Elizabeth Byers on 27 Jan 1864 in Renfrew, Ontario, Canada. Elizabeth (daughter of William James Byers and Sarah Jane Edgar) was born on 9 Dec 1838 in Admaston/Bromley Township, Ontario, Canada; died on 7 Sep 1909 in Douglas, Ontario, Canada; was buried in Douglas Public Cemetery, Douglas, Renfrew County, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Birth:
Bromley Township, Upper Canada

Notes:

Died:
Admaston Township, Ontario

James married Alice Adeline Beach. Alice was born on 27 Jan 1868 in Whitewater Region Township, Ontario, Canada; died on 14 Dec 1943 in Renfrew County, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]