Obituary of David Ritchie

RITCHIE, David Fraser BA, BBA, RCAF 411/126 Sqn., O.C. RAF 126/680 Sqn. Passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 6, 2015 in his 94th year. Preceded by his faithful four-legged companion, Charlie, he is remembered by his children Eric and Sarah Ritchie, their spouses Loan and Stan, and by Marlene Ritchie. Born and raised in Newcastle, New Brunswick, David is a graduate of both the University of New Brunswick and Case Western Reserve in Ohio, and also studied Metalurgical Engineering. He was Assistant Editor of Metal Progress Magazine and Editor of Canadian Metalworking. David was the co-founder of Ritchie's auction house in Toronto, which was a leading fine art auction establishment in Canada in its day. With his passion for history, appreciation for the craftsmanship of objets d'art and especially Canadian artists and paintings, David made a true mark on the world of arts and antiquities. Through Ritchie's, David also strongly advocated the importance of Canadian entrepreneurial families. He published a memoir book of these experiences at age 93, Ritchie's The Inside Story. David joined the RCAF in 1941, serving his country piloting spitfires in both Europe and Africa. He served on the 411 Squadron in the U.K., then seconded as O.C. of A Flight RAF 680 Squadron in 1944 and, finally, served on the RCAF 126 Squadron. He acted on occasion as a guest speaker in local high schools for Remembrance Day, and felt strongly that young people needed to learn that the most important message to be taken from war is Peace, not heroism. He also took part in the Canadian Government online resource, 'The Memory Project,' which allows young people to hear first-hand accounts of the war. David was an active member of both the Canadian Fighter Pilots Association, and the Arts and Letters Club of Toronto. He remains an inspiration to all who knew him for his tenacious appetite for life! A private ceremony will be held for family, with a Celebration Of Life to follow in the spring. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Michael's Hospital Toronto, the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario and The University of New Brunswick. We would like to thank St. Michael's Hospital for their exemplary care over the years, the Briton House for being such a lovely second home, and Mt. Sinai Hospital for the wonderful and compassionate team that cared for David in his final days. Condolences and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymilesnewbigging.com.