Obituary of Robert Murray Ritcey

April 28, 1938 - Halifax, Nova Scotia

June 2, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

With great sadness the family announces the passing of Robert Murray Ritcey (Bob) on Friday, June 2, 2023, at the age of 85.  Bob is survived by his wife Marjorie (née Sinclair) and children Kurt (Diane), Lynn Cowan, John (Sally) and Jeff (Mehri); grandchildren Allison (Ishmael), Andrew, Laura (Ryan), Beth (Jayden), Erin, Megan (Marco), Patrick and Emma; great-grandchildren Jaxon and Maria-Layne; sister Eleanor May and brother-in-law Bob Sinclair (Terry-Ann). He was predeceased by his sister Janet Cornelius and brother-in-law Philip May.  Bob’s short stay in hospital allowed time for additional valued conversations with Marj and each of his children.

Bob was born on April 28, 1938, in Halifax, NS, to Murray Everett Ritcey and Mildred Gordon Ritcey (née Nickerson). His upbringing on the family farm fostered a lifelong love of animals and gardening.  He met Marj in 1956 and they married in 1960 - cherishing 63 wonderful years together.  Bob graduated in 1961 from Dalhousie University and the Technical University of Nova Scotia as a Civil Engineer.  His career took the family to St. John’s, NL, Schefferville, QC, Labrador City, NL and ultimately to Calgary in 1974.

Bob thrived in his engineering career and made lifelong friends and colleagues at the Iron Ore Company of Canada, Shell Canada, UMA Engineering and UMATAC. He was a life member of APEGGA and a 50 year member of the CIMM. Upon his retirement he and Marj continued satisfying their love of travel with visits to family and friends in Ontario and Nova Scotia, along with various ocean cruises.  Bob spent many winters supporting the ski racing industry, highlighted by his work at the 1988 winter Olympics and numerous World Cup races.  He treasured his time in the mountains, skiing and socializing within the broader ski community.

Bob was loved for his sunny disposition, wry wit and especially his integrity, reliability, calm manner and as a role model to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  A Celebration of Life will be held at McInnis & Holloway Hospitality Centre (Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB) on Saturday, August 26, at 2:00 p.m.  In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society or your charity of choice would be appreciated. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of Robert Ritcey, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.