Measure your life in decades and you will have but a handful that pass by in an instant. Measure your life in years and you will have a fair sum that still slip by too quickly. Measure your life in moments and you will have more than you can count, each filled with such meaning and richness that you won’t even notice them passing. Karen Wyatt, MD (but we DID notice and value each moment!)
Lester (Les) Arthur Ritchie (1935-2020) passed onto his next journey peacefully with his daughter Susan, son-in-law Frank and best Grand-Daughter Mekaela beside him at Sault Area Hospital in the early hours of Saturday, March 28, 2020. Dad was predeceased by his father and mother David and Dorothy Ritchie (McBrien) as well as his brother David (Gail and Marty, Erin and Brett, David, Kevin and Kimmy, Sean), sister Ann and brother-in-law Elroy (David- predeceased, Cheryl and John). Left heart-stricken are Dad’s brothers Alex (Pat, Carolyn, Catherine and Scott, Mikey and Stacy) and Harold (Ray, Donna Marie, Marla and Jim), and sister Clare (Barry, Christopher, Katy). Missing him most of all, his sweetheart of 64 happily married years, Barbie, and she remains his best love. While Mom’s Alzheimer’s makes this new reality harsh for us, it’s that depth of character that saw them through their lives that she draws on now and is sharing with us. Their love is one of the original long-lasting, all-enduring deep loves. Daughters Susan (Frank, Mekaela and Todd) and Kim (Margaret) are left to grow through this pain with the same strength of character.
Dad’s life included challenges and triumphs; love and laughter. As the oldest of a large family in Toronto, it fell to him to strike out early and support his family. He left school early, yet treasured the institution of higher education. Dad worked during the days and continued his studies at night to ultimately hold the position of the Canadian National Credit Financier for Sony Corporation. Having married and worked hard to save, Mom and Dad began our family in Toronto. We grew up understanding their expectations for us to work diligently in school and to value the privilege of an education. We were taught to respect our elders, understand the value of a dollar, enjoy and support our neighbours and care for those who were in need. Mom and Dad faced the challenges of life head-on and taught us perseverance through example. As we grew up, our extended Ritchie family rounded out the lessons of love and family.
And then came granddaughter, Mekaela. Love grew exponentially in our family, and the forever special bond between Poppa and Mickey remains unparalleled. Sooooo many happy moments filled our lives for the past 25 years. We knew we had wonderful lives together, and we never missed an opportunity to talk together, visit together, play together, vacation together. Mom and Dad believed in the value of experience through travel, and we’ve had uncountable hilarious, scary, fun and enriching adventures altogether, often while tenting!
Finally, their travel landed them in Sault Ste. Marie. Dad felt he could never thank our friends, John and Lu, Sharen and Jerry and Matt and Cameron adequately for ushering them into their new home seamlessly. Dad said, “Every day we spend here feels like a holiday.” Both Mom and Dad were deeply impressed by the caring, open-hearted and supportive people they’ve met here. They made friends easily and loved this “town”. They enjoyed their neighbours at “The Condo” and made instant connections with so many upon arrival, particularly Laura, who had a special place in Dad’s heart.
Now, Dad has gone on before us, and we are crushed in his absence. His legacy is a family with true love and strength. As Dad would say, “Anything worth doing, is worth doing right.’ So, on we go honouring this kind, funny, generous and compassionate man.
And, at the end of Dad’s days, many thanks must be given to his doctors and care specialists who worked to keep him healthy, and then, to pass gently. Dr. Leahy and Jen, Dr. Berg, Dr. Russell, Paramed nurse Susan (how did you get so close to Dad so fast?!). Our caring pharmacists and their crew at Westend Pharmasave....Jordan and John...Dad always enjoyed your wit and appreciated your candour. And to the Night Shift on 3C.... Nick, Shelley, Cassandra and, most wonderfully, Camille. You shepherded us through the most difficult time in our lives with utmost grace and compassion.
And, finally, how to express the infinite love we have for Mekaela who sat next to us for 36 hours on facetime from Nanaimo? Both Mekaela and Todd, holding a sacred space for Poppa and ensuring us love and rest when we needed. For Todd, for taking care of Mickey as she supported us...huge hugs and love from afar. Poppa’s love, tucked into your hearts, is yours for all time.
In remembrance of Dad, pay forward a kindness....or let the chain begin with you. Dad believed money is like manure, it’s no good unless it is spread around. So, treat a stranger, a neighbour or a friend to a coffee or some small gesture..... and keep the caring going. If you feel moved to donate, Dad would love donations to be made to our local Alzheimer’s Society. Both Mom and Dad have many years worth of history volunteering in drug trials in Toronto to combat this disease as well as participating locally in the Minds in Motion group each week. Dad’s hope was for Mom, and everyone else, to be released from the threat of Alzheimer’s. Our family continues to support the program they both loved so much.
Donations may be sent to: Alzheimer Society Minds in Motion 341 Trunk Road Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6A 3S9 705-942-2195 A family celebration will be planned for the summer. And it’s going to be BIG! Cremation has taken place. “See you when, Dad.”
Arrangements entrusted to O'Sullivan Funeral Home and Cremation Centre, 215 St. James St, 705-759-8456.