JACK RITCHIE

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JACK RITCHIE

October 11, 1944 - March 28, 2026

If you knew Jack Ritchie, you only knew half the story. Here’s the person a chosen few came to know.

He was the kind of person who would, annoyingly, sing at the top of his lungs "good morning, how’s your morning smiles" to wake up his kids for school every day when we were young.

On the way out the door, he would tell us to "work hard and wear your gloves" (though we never quite understood what that meant). Later in life, he would remind those same adult kids that "the share price won’t rise or fall whether you are at work" - as a reminder to slow down occasionally and look after ourselves.

He would take his family on epic road trips spanning thousands of miles and millions of memories. He coached baseball in summer and hockey in winter and could be found in the audience of dance recitals and gymnastic competitions in between.

He would mark key milestones in his children’s lives with handwritten letters expressing both compassion and pride. He is the one you would call with good news, bad news, and everyday news.

He was a dad who, when finally convinced to walk in the Winnipeg Pride parade with his family, declared enthusiastically at the end of the parade, "let’s go around again!" And then came back year after year until he could no longer.

He loved a good drive - both in a car and on the golf course and had several lifelong friends of over 70 years. He was deservedly proud of his many achievements, spanning an award winning 36 years at RBC and a trophy shelf spotlighting his incredible achievements in football, baseball, and hockey.

He was the proud dad to four children and their partners: Robb (Geret), Laurie Cox (Julian), Meagan Fontaine (JP), and Bryan (Danielle). He was an even prouder grandpa to seven grandchildren (Lily, Josh, Dom, Kendall, Alex, Cassien, Sebastien), that lit up his world like no other when they visited. He was grateful for all he had…and he was loved in return.

He was also a man who thought lasagna, Caesar salad, pancakes, and quiche made good complimentary dishes at a Christmas brunch he hosted each year with his children. He may not have always been perfect, but he was perfectly ours.

Thank you to the staff at River Ridge II and the healthcare professionals who showed up for dad time and again. We are forever grateful to our sister Meagan for the boundless devotion she showed Dad - making his care the quiet centre of her daily life.

And while it was dad’s generous heart that had grown tired in the end, his life lessons will live on in those who loved him.

As flights of angels sing him to his rest, there to greet him will be his mom and dad, Dorothy and Elmo, much loved sister Janice and twin brother James, and friends who have taken this journey before him.

Honouring Dad’s wishes, there won’t be a funeral but there will be an intimate celebration of his life with family, and we will continue celebrating him throughout our lives.

In lieu of flowers, tell your dad (or any dad) that you love them. Be there for them when needed. And, if you were fortunate to know our dad, then share with us what he meant to you.

Sleep tight Dad.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 04, 2026