Arnold James 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

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