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Ian Robert Ritchie
January 24, 1959 - May 25, 2021
Tribute
Befitting his Scottish roots, Ian Robert Ritchie was born January 24 — the day before Robbie Burns, Scotland’s national bard on January 25. The day before but two centuries later — to the year — in 1959 to Nancy & Robert Ritchie not long after they immigrated to Vancouver from Scotland.
The Ritchies returned to Scotland to live in Dumbarton where Ian started school. Younger brother Fraser was born in Scotland before the family returned to Canada and settled in West Vancouver where Ian spent his formative years.
After graduating West Vancouver Secondary School Ian attended BCIT to become a Forest Technician, graduating to work for BCFP and MacMillan Bloedel planning forestry layouts up and down the Central BC Coast and wilderness locales of Vancouver Island and Haida Gwai.
Attacked by a sow grizzly bear after encountering its twin cubs on the Central Coast in the early 1980s, Ian decided to switch to a safer profession.
After obtaining his Criminology Degree at SFU Ian embarked on a policing career that began with the RCMP in Saskatchewan, followed by uniformed duties with the Oak Bay Police Department, culminating in a 22-year career with the Saanich Police Department. Ian concluded his policing career by serving with the provincial Integrated Road Safety Units.
Ian and his family lived in Shawnigan Lake for many years and through their sons developed a long association with Shawnigan Lake School — such that in retirement he worked in the school’s transportation department, staggering similar duties with Cowichan School District No. 79.
A consummate people person, Ian volunteered with the Duncan Food Bank and Duncan Community Living and raised support for and rode in the 2005 Cops for Cancer Tour de Rock — volunteering backup team support in subsequent Tour de Rock rides.
Condolences
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From: Art Pollard
Relation: friend.
Dear Margaret and boys, I was saddened to hear of Ian’s passing recently. He was such an inspiration to me and cajoled and wheedled me to become an Area coordinator for the Block Watch programme. I will miss his advice, his concern and his caring for everyone he touched. He was an inspiration and of course a great friend to Mike. I will miss him greatly.
From: The Pasquale Family
Relation: Colleague
So heartbroken by the news of Ian’s passing. To the family our deepest condolences. Ian was always a kind and thoughtful man with a positive word to say. He was a stellar colleague at Shawnigan Lake School and a favourite when driving the teams to games or at the provincial championships. He will forever remain in our minds and hearts. Riposare in pace.
From: Mid Island Bus
Relation: Co workers
Our condolences to Ian’s family. Ian was a great and humble man. All of us who knew Ian at Mid island Bus enjoyed his calm demeanor, sense of humor and professionalism. He will be greatly missed!!
From: Wendy Williams
Relation: Cowichan Valley Soccer Assoc.
Margaret and boys, We were very saddened to hear of the loss of Ian. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time. Greg and Wendy Williams and family.
From: Bev Harley
Relation: Neighbours
Dear Margaret and boys. I am so saddened to see of your loss. Ian was one of my favourite people. It was always a joy to have a visit with him and the boys when his mother Nancy came to stay at our B&B. My sincere sympathy to all of you
From: Pat Fiddis
Relation: Mill Bay Library
Please accept my sincere condolences on Ian’s passing. A fine man, always smiling and a family man through and through. I am happy to have known him.
From: Judy Duncan
Relation: from Sylvan United Church
Dear Margaret, Arran, Alasdair and Gordon, I am so saddened to learn of Ian’s sudden passing. I remember his beaming smile and willingness to lend a hand. Please accept my sincere condolences.
From: Ross, Susan and Nick Holloway
Relation: via Community Policing Blockwatch
We knew Ian well through his leadership in Community Policing. We also remember Ian each day as we view our 8 foot cedar hedge bordering our yard. This was a contribution Ian made to us from a leftover Scout tree planting project he was involved in. Ian was a great guy , dedicated to community and will be greatly missed.
Deepest condolences . Sincerely, Ross, Susan & Nick Holloway
From: Brian and Connie Pinder
Relation: Friend
We were deeply saddened to hear of Ian’s passing. I first met Ian at SFU, we both joined the RCMP and started recruit training in Regina just a few weeks apart. In a stroke of luck we were both posted to Warman Detachment. There we got to meet and know Margaret and truly enjoyed Ian and Margaret’s friendship. It was a sad day when they left to return to the coast. Our contacts grew less frequent over the years but in March, 2005 we saw Ian again. Connie and I were at the regimental funeral for the members from Mayerthorpe Detachment where I was posted at the time. Unbeknown to us Ian was there to represent Saanich police. Despite the crowds he made a point of tracking us down. Seeing Ian and experiencing the hugs and kind words he brought with him gave us the boost we needed to get through a difficult day. We have never forgotten his kindness. Margaret, we want to extend our sincere condolences to you, Arran, Alasdair and Gordon.
From: Ron and Denine Christianson
Relation: Co worker from Warman Detachment Saskatchewan
Margaret and family we are sad to hear of Ian’s passing. I knew him in Warman and even though our connection was brief I do remember what a lovely couple you were.
Our hearts go out to you and your family!
Service Schedule
Private service arrangements have been made.
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