Obituary of Ralph Eugene Ritchie

Ralph Eugene Ritchie 75, Stanley Section, Lunenburg Co., passed away, Sunday, February 12, 2012 in South Shore Regional Hospital, Bridgewater. Born, May 8, 1936 in Stanley Section, he was a son of the late Clyde and Floy (Jefferson) Ritchie. During his early years, Ralph worked cutting pulp wood, operated tractors, skidders, bulldozers as well as worked with oxen and horses with Bowater Mersey and in other private camps. Later, he worked with Gilbert Falkenham and Sons Ltd. for 13 years; then he became employed with Bowater Sawmill in Oakhill where he worked for another 4 and half years until he began to operate his own sawmill, Ralph Ritchie’s Milling for over 20 years until his retirement. Ralph still continued to work with teams of horses and oxen; he enjoyed his animals immensely. Ralph was a great husband, father, brother, grandfather, friend and jack of all trades who could build anything. Surviving are his wife, the former, Emily Leary; daughters, Sylvia (Franklyn) Hawkesworth; Sherilyn (Clayton) MacKay; Stella Dimmell (Debbie); Sonya (Michael) Joudrey; 11 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren; sister, Ruth Joudrey. Ralph was predeceased by daughter, Carol Rita; brothers, Ernest, Lester; sisters, Verna Lowe, Katie Stewart. No visitation at the funeral home. Memorial service 11 a.m. Friday, February 17, 2012 in Epworth United Church, New Germany. Pastor David Hawkesworth and Wayne Dominey officiating. Private family burial will be at a later date in Lakeside Cemetery, New Canada. Family flowers only, donations to Canadian Diabetes Association, Canadian Cancer Society or charity of choice. Arrangements entrusted to Sweeny’s Funeral Home, 4895 route 10, New Germany, where on-line condolences may be made by visiting www.sweenysfuneralhome.com.