William S. (Bill) Ritchie of Fredericton died on November 3, 2010, at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital at the age of 87. He was a resident of the Windsor Court Retirement Home, where he was well cared for and loved by the staff and residents. Born in Saint John in 1923, Bill was the son of the late Struan and Geraldine (Hogan) Ritchie. He was the loving husband of 46 years to his late wife, Jean (Deltour). Bill attended St. Francis Xavier University where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree, and lettered in four sports, including basketball, rugby, baseball and tennis. He was named to St. FX’s Hall of Fame in 1982 for his sports achievements. He completed post-graduate studies at Springfield College in Springfield, Mass., where he met his future wife, Jean. They eventually settled in Fredericton. Bill worked for the New Brunswick government for 34 years, advancing physical education in the province’s schools. This included acting as the first executive director of the New Brunswick Interscholastic Athletic Association, a position that continued into his retirement. He was also a first-rate square dance caller, and taught square dancing during the summer months at UNB. When Bill’s playing days were over, he became a basketball official, working his way up through the ranks to become a nationally certified official, officiating games at the university and international levels. He later got into the administrative end of the sport, and played a leading role in the development of the New Brunswick Association of Approved Basketball Officials. For his contribution as a “builder”, he was inducted into N.B. Sports Hall of Fame in 1986, and in 1997, he was inducted into the Canadian Basketball Hall of Fame. In his early 50s, he took up golf, and it became a passion for more than 20 years. He would spend hours in his backyard hitting chip shots, and that would serve him well on the golf course. He enjoyed golf trips to Myrtle Beach in the winter, and playing with his loyal foursome at Mactaquac. A loving and caring father and grandfather, he is survived by his children: Linda Huggard and her husband, Peter Huggard, of Calgary; David Ritchie and his wife, Catherine Metcalfe, of Fredericton; Janice Nishikawa and her husband, Gerry Nishikawa, of Riverview; Jill Ritchie and her husband, Ken Donald, of Fredericton; and Scott Ritchie of Vancouver. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Shelley, Chrissy, Marc, Christy, Laura and Kimiko, and great-grandchildren, Maddie and Emma. He was predeceased by his wife, Jean, and daughter, Gail Johnston. In his later years, Bill had a special friendship with Penny Fletcher. He especially enjoyed their summers at Magaguadavic Lake, playing cribbage and socializing with friends and family.
Visitation will take place at York Funeral Home, 302 Brookside Dr. on Friday, November 5, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. A memorial service will take place at York Funeral Home's T. Gordon MacLeod Memorial Chapel on Saturday, November 6, at 2 p.m. with Rev. Paul Thompson officiating. Personal condolences may be offered through www.yorkfh.com All who loved him, admired him and knew him are welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice. We will miss our father, grandfather and friend dearly