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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 Greenock when Ian was very young. Younger brother Fraser was born in Scotland before the family returned to Canada and settled in West Vancouver were Ian started school.
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.
As a soccer fan Ian coached the game for many years with the Cowichan Valley Soccer Association
Left to mourn Ian are his loving wife, Margaret (Symon) and sons Arran, Alasdair and Gordon; brother Fraser, and mother-in-law Elizabeth Symon.
He also leaves brother-in-law John Symon and nephews David and Clayton in Quebec; niece Anna in BC; family in the UK and France and the US. Ian was predeceased by son Gavin in 2008.
Ian’s interests included his community, travel, e-biking, kayaking and sports. He made long-lasting friendships with people of all stripes and stations. He will be deeply missed.
Depending on the lifting of COVID-19 gathering restrictions, a service may be planned for this summer at Shawnigan Lake.
Donations in Ian’s name may be made to the 2021 Cops for Cancer Tour de Rock www.tourderock.ca
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Ian Robert Ritchie January 24 1959
May 25 2021..
H. W. Wallace Cremation and Burial Centre
Death notice for the town of: Duncan, Province: Colombie britanique
Our thoughts are with Margaret, Arran, Alasdair and Gordon. Ian was an inspiration to our family. Sincerely, Tom, Hayley, Paul and Tim