Obituary of Art Ritchie

A resident of Chatham, and formerly of Raleigh Township, Art Ritchie  passed away at the  Riverview Gardens on Monday, January 25, 2021 at the age of 93.

Art was the son of the late Warren George and Gretta Wanda (Webster) Ritchie. 

Beloved husband to the late Verla (Pepper) Ritchie (2014). 

Loving father to David Ritchie (Suzann) of South Buxton and Janet Smith (Randy) of Blenheim.

Proud Grandpa of Nathan Smith (Wendy), Jason Smith (Jen) and Lori Alexander.

Great-Grandpa to Carrissa, Carter, Sadie, Phin and Huck. 

Brother to the late Charlotte Ritchie, Grace Goodhand (Glen), Trudy Bresett (late Keith) and Linda Brackstone (late Mark).

Art was beloved by many nieces and nephews.

Dad was a good provider and took this responsibility and privilege seriously, giving us a stable home. He led us in a biblical faith, loving his Lord - Jesus, his wife, his family and his friends. He worked hard at farming, carpentry and in the factory. In retirement he enjoyed volunteering at Bibles for Missions repairing all things wood. Dad was generous with his financial resources and so blessed many, near and far. Hospitality may have been Mom's strong suit, but Dad thoroughly embraced and enjoyed every opportunity to share time and laughter with others. 

Dad was all of these things and more because he loved Jesus. He never felt that God owed him anything but that he owed everything to God and that all he was blessed with really belonged to God. So, quietly, he gave out of a grateful and humble heart. Only God knows the countless lives that were blessed.

Dad would want to be remembered as a Christian - a sinful man that knew he needed Jesus to forgive him and accept him into God's family. So, as a young husband and father, he put his faith and trust in Jesus and chose to live his life God's way. He didn't do that perfectly, no one does. Yet he followed Jesus sincerely and over the years of his life came to know Jesus more and seek to do his will. 

The Christian life isn't easy. But Dad knew it to be a life of hope and promise and peace. He would want you to know these wonderful truths too. 

A private family interment will be held at Pardoville-Union Cemetery. 

Donations made in memory of Art to Gideons or Compassion Canada would be appreciated. 

Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com

McKinlay Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham, 519-351-2040