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RITCHIE

David

May 8 1929 - March 12 2008

David was born on May 8, 1929 in Paisley, Scotland and attended school there until joining the Royal Navy when he turned 18. He enjoyed the Navy and recounted that one of his more famous shipmates was Prince Philip. He trained as a chef after his service and emmigrated to Canada in 1950 and ran many camps from Whitecourt to Watson Lake for several years until returning to school in London, Ontario to train as an Instructor.

David met and married Joyce in 1969 and they moved to Thunder Bay where David was an instructor at Confederation College. After a period of 5 years, he was enticed to Northern Lights College in Dawson Creek where he spent the next 17 years as the Department Head of the culinary Arts Department. His many contributions to the College were recognized in 2000 when he was awarded an Honorary Degree by the Board of Governors.

David had joined the Masonic Lodge as a young man in Scotland and continued his affiliation in Thunder Bay, Dawson Creek and eventually Campbell River. He was appointed District Deputy Grand Master of BC and Yukon after he sat as the Worshipful Master of Peace Lodge 126. While in Campbell River, he was appointed Education Officer and he also spent many happy meetings with the Lodge of Education in Victoria. David was also a member of the Shrine Club and was a sought after speaker in all Masonic orders.

David and Joyce started a social group known as the Loon Lake Campers' Association while they were in Thunder Bay and this group, known for its appreciation of Robert Burns, has branches in Thunder Bay, Golden, Dawson Creek and Campbell River. There are few people who had such an admiration of Robert Burns as David and he volunteered his time to the Campbell River schools every year to help the young people enjoy the works of the Bard.

David passed from us on March 12, 2008, leaving his wife Joyce, two step sons, Robert and Ronald, one grandson and three great grandchildren. He will also be missed by the many, many friends he met on his journey through life. A life of many achievements and joys.



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