Obituary of Kendall Edward Ritcey

Kendall Edward Ritcey Age 91, Stanley Section, Lunenburg Co., passed away peacefully on Monday, January 23, 2017 at home after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Stanley Section, he was a son of the late Charles Edward and Winnie Luella (Cook) Ritcey. Prior to retirement, he was a rural mail courier and school bus driver for over 25 years. Kendall always had a warm spot in his heart for the motion picture industry throughout his adult life. He built, owned and operated the Birch Pond Drive-In Theatre in Stanley Section for over 25 years, retiring in 1988 - one particular highlight was his attending the Show West Convention in Las Vegas. His love of travel took him to many theatre conventions in Canada and the United States as well as many craft shows. He was a snowbird for over 45 years, always returning to Port Orange, Florida. He leaves a wide circle of crafters and many friends both locally and in Florida. He was a member of Epworth United Church, New Germany, Canadian Snowbird Association, a former member of the National Campers and Hikers Association, New Germany and Area Arts and Crafts Association, Dartmouth Handcrafters Guild and several theatre organizations. His hobbies included trout fishing, woodworking, airbrush painting and epoxy crafts. Many homes around the Maritimes have one of his epoxy clocks on the wall. His latest interests was the recycling of wine bottles into decorative lighted items, which he displayed in his booth at Christmas at the Forum and Christmas Craft Village at Halifax Exhibition Center. Surviving are his wife, Gloria (Mosher), Stanley Section; daughters, Louise (Bradford) Penney, Stanley Section; Peggy (Todd) Meisner, New Germany; the joy of his life, grandson, Benjamin (Jackie) Meisner, Bedford, who is presently playing professional hockey as goalie with the Augsburg Panthers in Augsburg, Germany and niece, Patricia (Doug) Veinot, Pinehurst. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by a brother, Leon Ritcey. There will be no visitation at the funeral home by request. A private graveside service for immediate family will be held in the Lakeside Cemetery, New Canada with longtime friends, Rev. Douglas Porter and his wife Ella officiating. Donations may be made to the Lunenburg County VON, New Canada Lakeside Cemetery Fund or charity of choice. The family wishes to extend sincere thanks to the local VON for their support and services that went far above the call of duty, also a thank you to the Palliative Care and Home Support staff, all of which allowed Kendall to stay at home to the end. Arrangements entrusted to Sweeny’s Funeral Home, 4895 route 10, New Germany, where on-line condolences may be made by visiting www.sweenysfuneralhome.com or by messaging condolences@sweenysfuneralhome.com.