Obituary of Cedric E. Ritchie

CEDRIC E. RITCHIE, O.C. August 22, 1927 - March 20, 2016 It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Cedric Ritchie, peacefully at his home in Toronto, on Sunday, March 20, 2016 at the age of 88. Beloved husband of Barbara for 58 years. Devoted father of Heather Walton and Kim Persky (Michael). Proud grandfather of Jana, Eric, Kyla and Kevin Persky; and Courtney, Connor, and Taylor Walton. Dear brother of Ruth Ritchie. Fondly remembered by his nieces and nephews, extended family, former colleagues and many friends worldwide. Cedric was predeceased by his parents, his brother Douglas and his sister Helen (Ritchie) Baker. Born in Upper Kent, N.B., Cedric had only a high school education when he started his career with the Bank of Nova Scotia (Scotiabank) in 1945, as a teller in Bath, N.B. Despite this humble beginning, Cedric served the bank with diligence and dedication in a variety of posts in Canada and throughout the world, culminating in his appointment as President and CEO in 1972, and Chairman of the Board two years later - a position he held for more than 20 years until retirement in 1995. He was renowned for his uncompromising integrity and his indefatigable work ethic. Even in retirement, he continued to go to his downtown office and provide sound advice and counsel. He was a financial services pioneer, introducing innovative new banking services to Canadians and expanding Scotiabank internationally. A proud Canadian, Cedric gave back to his country in many ways. He served on the boards of many corporate and philanthropic organizations. He was also a Fellow of the Institute of Canadian Bankers and was an inductee of the New Brunswick Business Hall of Fame. In 1981, he was made an Officer of the Order of Canada for his banking and commerce contributions. In recognition of his significant impact in Canadian business, Cedric received honorary degrees from University of Western Ontario, St. Francis Xavier, Dalhousie, University of New Brunswick, Mount Allison and Queen's. In 1993, he was declared Business Man of the Year by the Harvard Business School Club of Toronto and Business Leader of the Year by the Western Business School of Toronto. He was elected to the Canadian Business Hall of Fame in 2000. Although golf was an aspiration, reading was a passion. As an avid student of history, politics and business, Cedric was never reluctant to inject a wry smile and a little humor into any discussion. Often publicly recognized for his successful career, Cedric was equally accomplished but very private in his dedication to those things most important to him. Cedric had a deep love for his family, for Canada (and the province of New Brunswick) and his faith. His family meant the world to him and he cherished every opportunity to share time together. He was always there to offer encouragement, congratulations or a kind word when events didn't go as planned. We will sorely miss him. The family will receive friends at the HUMPHREY FUNERAL HOME A.W. MILES - NEWBIGGING CHAPEL, 1403 Bayview Avenue (south of Davisville Avenue) from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 31st. A funeral service will be held in TIMOTHY EATON MEMORIAL CHURCH, 230 St Clair Avenue West, Toronto M4V 1R5, on Friday, April 1st at 11:00 a.m. A private interment for family at Mount Pleasant Cemetery will follow the service. If desired and in lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Timothy Eaton Memorial Church or a charity of your choice. Condolences and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymilesnewbigging.com.