Allan Keen Ritchie, beloved husband of the late LaRue (Jensen) Ritchie, and son of the late Charles and Ellen (Nellie) Ritchie, passed away on September 4, 2019 at the age of 91 years.
Left to mourn Allan’s passing are his children Allan (Beth) Ritchie, Debra (Wendell) Campbell, Barbara (Gary) King, Patricia (Jim) Poriz, Gary (Nicole) Ritchie, 15 grandchildren, and 28 great-grandchildren.
Allan was born in Bellevue Alberta on November 30, 1927. As a young man he worked in the construction industry and travelled throughout Alberta and British Columbia.
In 1960 he returned to Bellevue with his young family and lived in the old United Church manse with LaRue for nearly 60 years.
Allan worked as the town foreman in Bellevue, in various coal mines, and as construction foreman for Craig’s Construction. His last and favourite career was Crane Operator for Coleman Collieries.
Allan was proud to be from Bellevue and volunteered as an air cadet leader; served on the Bellevue Council; and was a volunteer fire fighter and member of the Bellevue Legion for many years.
Allan was an avid gardener and loved to sit in the sunshine. He enjoyed taking his family camping at Wasa Lake each summer and also enjoyed travelling with LaRue and hiking with Gary.
With the passing of LaRue in 2018, Allan moved to the Edith Cavell Centre in Lethbridge where he was lovingly tended to by the staff and his daughters. Allan will be remembered by everyone he encountered at Edith Cavell for his wonderful singing.
The family would like to thank the dedicated and hardworking staff at Edith Cavell for the excellent care Dad received while there, with an extra special thanks to Jennifer, his angel nurse.
As well as LaRue, Allan was predeceased by his daughter Karen; his siblings Charlie Ritchie, George Ritchie and Betty Haile; and his great-grandson Spencer Ritchie.
At Allan’s request, no funeral services will be held. Donations in memory of the late Allan Ritchie may be directed to the charity of your choice.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Allan Keen Ritchie..
Death notice for the town of: Lethbridge, Province: Alberta