Gordon Ralston Ritchie

Surrounded by family, Gordon Ralston Ritchie passed away peacefully in Calgary, Alberta on Thursday, November 2, 2023 at the age of 95 years. Gordon was born April 20, 1928 in Calgary, Alberta to Maud and John Ritchie. He grew up in Calgary, Alberta.

Gord graduated from Western Canada High School in 1946. After graduation, he worked at the Bank of Montreal. Gord moved to the oil and gas industry - initially as a rough neck, then to the office with Imperial Oil. When an opportunity arose, Gord transferred to Mobil Oil, where he had a long and rewarding career.

Gord was passionate about his faith, family, service, and community. Throughout his life he volunteered his time and energy with numerous organizations. He met the love of his life Margaret at a Christmas Eve Party in 1954. They were married on October 19, 1956.

Gord lived a long and happy life into his 96th year. As the patriarch of his family, he was a gracious and loving husband, father, papa, great papa, brother, uncle and friend. He will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by his three children, eight grandchildren and six great grandchildren. His legacy will continue in the lives of Donna Jones (Earl), grandchildren Katie Howes (Josh), Mark Jones (Jen Bell), Peter Jones (Nicole Bewski); Lynn Martin (Darren), grandchildren Laura Martin (Melvin Chand), Eric Martin, Neil Martin (Malorie); Bob Ritchie (Morag), grandchildren Meghan Ritchie, Owen Ritchie (Cora Burke). His love will also live on in the lives of his great grandchildren Makenna Martin, Emmett Martin, Becca Howes, James Howes, Aiden Ritchie, Daniella Ritchie.

Gord is survived by his sister-in-law Dorothy Russell and extended family. He was predeceased by his wife of 64 years Margaret Ritchie, as well as his parents Maud and John Ritchie, sister Phyllis Enns, brothers-in-law Jack Russell and Fred Enns.

Gord’s love extended beyond his immediate family. Ingvild Aas, an exchange student from Norway held a special spot in his heart. Almost 40 years later, Ingvild and her family remain a special part of the Ritchie clan.

We are grateful for the care and compassion Gord received in his later years from many health care providers, as well as the staff and residents of Evanston Grand Village Independent Living facility, Aspen Heights Retirement Residence and from his family physicians Dr. Myles and Dr. Akinola.

While we will miss him dearly, his sense of humour and the sparkle in his eyes will be fondly remembered by all. We know he is at peace now and reunited with Margaret.

A Funeral and Celebration of Gordon’s life will be held on Friday, November 10, 2023 at 11:00 AM, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 290 Edgepark Blvd NW, Calgary, AB T3A 4H4.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada via https://www.heartandstroke.ca, Alzheimer Society of Calgary via https://www.alzheimercalgary.ca or a charity of your choice are appreciated.