OGDEN--Ensign (Rich) Melvin Ritchie, 72, beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother, returned to his Heavenly Father on August 3, 1999, after a brief illness.
He was born in Marriott on June 28, 1927, to Lawrence and Edith Mary Ensign Ritchie. Rich graduated from Weber High School in 1945 and attended Utah State University. He served in the U.S. Navy and served in World War II in the Korean Conflicts.On July 14, 1952, he married Shirley Bowden in Salt Lake City, Utah. He was a member of the LDS Church.
Rich worked for the Ogden Standard Examiner for 40 years and served as Sports Editor for 26 of those years. He enjoyed attending sporting events, writing, and the associations he had with so many coaches, athletes, and his fellow employees. He won many awards for his sports coverage and was recognized by the Associated Press for his writing. He retired in 1989.
He enjoyed spending time with his family, listening to music, snow skiing, fishing, and spending time with his dog, Holly.
He is survived by his loving wife, Shirley of 47 years; three sons and three daughters, Teri Goldy, San Mateo, CA; Rod Hastie, Chula Vista, CA; Leslie (Hank) Chaperro, Burlingame, CA; Melvin Dean Ritchie, West Valley City, UT; Jodie (Mark) Benson, Ogden, UT; Tony L. (Barbara) Ritchie, South Weber, UT; and 10 grandchildren. He is also survived by two brothers, Jim Ritchie and Ted Ritchie; four sisters, Arlene Bingham, Vivian Child, Lorraine McKay, and Marilyn Patterson. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and three sisters.
The family would like to thank the staff at Ogden Regional Hospital for their loving care and kindness for Rich.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, August 9, 1999, 11 a.m. at Leavitt's Mortuary, 836 36th Street, Ogden, UT, where family and friends may gather on Sunday, August 8, 1999 from 6 to 8 p.m. and Monday one hour prior to services. Interment, Leavitt's Aultorest Memorial Park, South Ogden.
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