Robert Ritchie

Robert “Bob” Eugene Ritchie, pastry aficionado, accomplished traveler, wonderful story-teller, natural-born mechanic and fantastic father died Monday, March 23, 2013 at the age of 83. Bob was born to Howard V and Mildred H Ritchie on November 5, 1929, just weeks after the crash of the stock market. A graduate of Rockford West Senior High, class of 1947. Married to Judith Ann Monks in the Second Congregational Chapel of Rockford on January 21, 1956, a union that lasted until her death 53 years later. He served “overseas” in Anchorage Alaska from 1952-54 for the US Army during the Korean Conflict; where he fell in love with Alaska’s beauty, wildlife and vast grandeur. Bob was always at the ready with a story to tell or a new joke to share. Known for his strong opinions and for telling you exactly what he thought but evenly tempered with a dry sense of humor and a heart of gold. Bob took fashion cues from no one. Flannel shirts and blue jeans from the house of Farm & Fleet were a staple of his wardrobe and just about appropriate for any occasion; topped with a different vendor cap for every day of the week. A child of frugal times, where nothing was to be wasted, including one’s time, nor to be discarded, as its value may only be realized at some later date. A straightforward man with few wants and very simple and honest values; he worked as an independent farmer then as a mechanic for Geraghty Industrial Equipment, Monks’ Garage, Essex’s Wire, and Illinois Water Treatment. A hard worker who took pride in his professions, retirement was a mixed blessing. His Indian Chief motorcycle carried him through his adventurous youth; he soared through his midlife in a Cessna single-engine airplane and found solid ground in his later years roving the country with his wife, Judi, in their motor home. Never one to be caught without the right tool and a lifelong student of wonder; moving parts were always an invitation to look closer, and stuck parts a trigger to jump into action. Whether sprucing up the house, repairing a car, crafting blacksmithing items, building a “Bob original” or fixing someone else’s lost cause, Bob never tired of the assembly or disassembly of something. He was especially fond of things that went “boom”, building his own black powder guns and miniature cannons. Even as his body grew tired in later years he spent hours watching others fix things on the History and Discovery Channels and poured through the bi-monthly issue of the “Upper Midwest Blacksmith Assoc.” newsletter. Bob never strayed from the Rockford area, stating that “it’s God’s country with the richest topsoil” perfect for raising crops and its very distinct seasons. When not in his tool shed, a true monument to manhood, he tilled the soil of his own acreage. After his farming days, he moved from the farm to suburbia where he devoted a large portion of his lawn to gardening where he pursued ongoing negotiations with the local wild life. The prolific yield was either pickled or canned to share with others. But always the gracious victor, he’d willingly yielded a bit to the bunnies, birds and squirrels, the gophers were left to fend for themselves. Bob touched a lot of people in his life and all will miss him terribly. Until that day we meet again we hope that St. Peter enjoys the stories that he shares and that there will be a plentiful supply of blackberry brandy and glazed doughnuts. Bob, may warm sun and gentle rains grace your fields for eternity. An enormous thank you to everyone at St Anne Center who touched Bob’s life everyday during his stay; and to Dr Richard Olson who made it possible for Bob to function somewhat pain-free. Survived by his 3 children, James H. Ritchie of Rockford, Suzanne M. (Alan) Ritchie Stanek of San Francisco and Karen K (Phillip) Asher of Holmfirth, England; grandchildren, Erica and Aaron, 5 great grandchildren, sister Helen Williams and nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by wife Judi and his parents. Funeral service Tuesday, April 2, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. at Riverside Community Church, 6816 N. Second St. Loves Park, with Rev. Nat Bauer officiating. Interment in Willwood Burial Park. Visitation Monday, April 1 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Riverside Chapel 3910 N. Rockton Ave. and will continue Tuesday from 12-12:45 in the church. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials be made to: St Anne Center, 4405 Highcrest Rd, Rockford IL 61107 or your favorite charity