Born: June 12, 1923
Died: January 18, 2015
Married: Mary Anne "Pooh" Starr Ritchie
Children: Binnie Ritchie Holum, J. Michael Ritchie, Dorothy Ritchie Valhouli
Charles L. Ritchie Jr., known as Charlie, served as an ambulance driver in North Africa and Southern Europe for the American Field Service in World War II. In 1976 the family moved to Upper Saranac Lake, where Charlie was actively engaged in environmental, educational and community affairs.
Adirondack Daily Enterprise, January 23, 2015
Charles L. Ritchie Jr., 91, died in his home on Upper Saranac Lake on the morning of Sunday, Jan. 18, 2015.
Charlie was born in Philadelphia on June 12, 1923, the son of Charles L. Ritchie and Dorothy Newbold Ritchie. He attended St. Georges School and Yale University where he enrolled in the ROTC program and, in 1941, deferred his education to join the American Field Service as an ambulance driver in North Africa and Southern Europe.
After the War Charlie became an investment advisor. In 1948, he married the love of his life, Mary Anne Starr. In 1976, they relocated to Upper Saranac Lake, where Charlie was actively engaged in environmental, educational and community affairs.
Charlie believed, as many in his generation did, that there is no limit to what one can accomplish if he or she is not seeking credit.
Charlie is survived by his sister Dorothy R. Walker, 93; son J. Michael Ritchie and his wife Sally of Saranac Lake; daughter Dorothy Ritchie Valhouli and her husband Robert DeVore of Rye, New Hampshire; son-in-law Robert Holum of Washington, D.C.; five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews and close friends of all ages.
He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 66 years, Mary Anne Ritchie. They were predeceased by their daughter, Binnie Ritchie Holum.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the charity of your choice.
Funeral arrangements are in care of the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Saranac Lake. A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Family and friends can share their memories and sign the online guestbook at fortunekeoughfuneralhome.com.
