William Edgar Ritchie, known as Bill or Billy to friends and family died peacefully at his home in Elmvale on Saturday, February 26, 2022 at the age of 77.
Bill was born in 1945 to Edgar and Maida Ritchie. Growing up in Beeton, Ontario, Bill’s hard work ethic started at a young age, whether helping his father or strangers which transpired to his teenage years where his escapades and exceptional hockey skills highlighted the local papers. And in the blink of an eye, almost five decades later, Bill retired from Labatt Breweries where he ended his long trucking career with a record 43 years of safe driving. Along the way, he married his wife Norma, had a daughter Tracy and a son Ryan.
Those who knew Bill knew him to be an amazing storyteller and conversationalist with crisp ability to recount details. He was a voracious reader who was able to captivate his audience with his knowledgeable memory of information that he was able to retain from the never ending books he always had in hand. He told tales of life events that were captured so easily and effortlessly in conversations with anyone and everyone.
Bill leaves behind Norma, his best friend and wife of 58 years. He will be sorely missed by his children Tracy Jackson (Tom) and Ryan (Jennifer). Bill was a loving Poppa/Grampa to his grandchildren Sarah, Whitney, Clinton, Greyson and Bellamy as well as being GG Poppa to Brayden and Garrett. Bill will also be missed by his sister Jane Plets (Stoney) and their families on Prince Edward Island.
Bill will be remembered with love, always.
Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will be held at Rod Abrams Funeral Home 1666 Tottenham Rd., Tottenham 905-936-3477 on Saturday August 13, 2022 from 1:00pm – 4:00pm.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.RodAbramsFuneralHome.com.
Service
Celebration of Life
Rod Abrams Funeral Home
1666 Tottenham Road, Tottenham Ontario L0G1W0
Saturday August 13, 2022
1:00pm - 4:00pm
Wendi-Anne plets says
Dear aunt Norma, Tracy Tom Ryan and families. I just wanted to let you know thst I am thinking of you all today as you gather to celebrate uncle bill, I hsve many wonderful memories of uncle bill, from going to your house in Alliston to visiting at granny and poppas in Beeton and to my visit at Orr lake. I remember when uncle bill rode his motorcycle cycle to PEI to visit, he said he never saw so mdny door handles go my his face. I will cherish my memories of such a great wonderful loving man and uncle always! I plan to raise a Labatt s in his honour and will do it with great pride knowing he is smiling down and having a little chuckle… I love you all and please know your PEI family is with all of you in spirit today. Hugs and I love you all , sincerely Wendi Anne
Vic and Jeanette Leslie says
Sincere Condolences to Norma and the family in the loss of Bill. Very fondly remembered. RIP Bill.
Corina (Broome) Matts says
Norma, Tracy, Ryan and family,
I am saddened to hear of Bill’s passing. His name was spoken fondly in our household growing up and Bill was not only a fellow driver, but well respected friend to Dad and many of the Labatt guys.
So many great times they shared on the road and together at home as friends / family. My sincere condolences.
Anita (Broome) Cenerini says
Norma & family,
Sad to hear this news.
My Dad, Kent drove alongside Bill for 33 of those years at Labatt’s.
Sincere condolences.
Marilyn & Bruce Glassford says
When I think of Bill, I remember a great smile and endearing personably. We extend sincere sympathy to Norma and the Ritchie family.
Sharon MacKenzie says
Tracey and Tom – so sorry to hear of the passing of your Dad. You have my condolences.
Larry & Eleanor Matthys says
Our sincere sympathy to Norma & Family and to Jane Stoney & Family on the passing of Bill.
Florence M. Orr says
My sincere condolences to all of Bill’s family for your loss. Bill and I were first cousins although we never knew each other well. You are in my thoughts.
Jane Plets says
Thank you for your expression of sympathy. I’m – Jane Plets (Ritchie). Appreciate your thoughts.
Hal & Madelyn Rutledge says
Dear Norma, Tracy, Tom, Ryan & Jennifer and family
Please accept our sincere condolences. May all of your cherished memories bring you comfort. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Betty Westlake Buttars says
We are so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. My brother Ken was a good friend of Bill’s for as long as I can remember and although I did not have a personal relationship with Bill, I felt like I did through my brother.
I do remember Bill always making time to speak to “the scrawny little sister” whenever he was around at the farm. He will be missed.
Betty and Carman Buttars ( nee Westlake)
Wayne and Betty Sutherland, Todd Monks, Carrie Price says
We extend our sincere condolences to Norma, Tracy, Ryan and their families on the passing of Bill.
Paul Bouzis and Tricia Mills says
Norma and family. Our entire family is saddened by this news. We have been fortunate to have you all as neighbours for many years.
Please accept our deepest condolences and our thoughts and prayers are with your entire family.
Lee says
Norma and family,
Iam so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. It’s a hard time. I always remember him fondly.
Lee Coburn
Barbara Ann Gauley says
My sincere sympathy to Norma and family, also to Jane, Stoney and family. Bill you will be sorely missed by your loving family. Rest In Peace.
Linda Armstrong says
Norma and family
I’m so sorry to learn of Bill’s passing. You will miss him very much. I remember him enjoying a meal at my place many years ago
Robert Matthews says
Gail and I are so sorry to hear of the passing of Bill. We want to extend our condolences to Norma and the entire Ritchie family.
Mac & Mary Hetherington says
Norma & Family
Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers at this sad time. Bill was a good friend to many and we will always remember him with smiles and wonderful memories – he will be truly missed. ❤️ Mac & Mary
Glenn and Anne McCarthy says
Tracy and Tom, we’re so sorry to hear about Bill, he sure fought hard with his health issues..I’m sure as much as you’ll miss him he’s in a much better place. Safe journey Bill.
Gail King says
Norma, Tracey, Ryan, Jane, and families. Our sincere condolences on Bill’s passing. He was such a wonderful friend. Over the years we shared many memorable adventures, especially the snowmobile trips that we took. He will be missed.
Gail and family.
Sherry King says
Sending healing prayers and comforting hugs.
So sorry for your loss.
Sherry King and family.