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Ian Robert Ritchie
January 24, 1959 - May 25, 2021
Tribute
Befitting his Scottish roots, Ian Robert Ritchie was born January 24 — the day before Robbie Burns, Scotland’s national bard on January 25. The day before but two centuries later — to the year — in 1959 to Nancy & Robert Ritchie not long after they immigrated to Vancouver from Scotland.
The Ritchies returned to Scotland to live in Dumbarton where Ian started school. Younger brother Fraser was born in Scotland before the family returned to Canada and settled in West Vancouver where Ian spent his formative years.
After graduating West Vancouver Secondary School Ian attended BCIT to become a Forest Technician, graduating to work for BCFP and MacMillan Bloedel planning forestry layouts up and down the Central BC Coast and wilderness locales of Vancouver Island and Haida Gwai.
Attacked by a sow grizzly bear after encountering its twin cubs on the Central Coast in the early 1980s, Ian decided to switch to a safer profession.
After obtaining his Criminology Degree at SFU Ian embarked on a policing career that began with the RCMP in Saskatchewan, followed by uniformed duties with the Oak Bay Police Department, culminating in a 22-year career with the Saanich Police Department. Ian concluded his policing career by serving with the provincial Integrated Road Safety Units.
Ian and his family lived in Shawnigan Lake for many years and through their sons developed a long association with Shawnigan Lake School — such that in retirement he worked in the school’s transportation department, staggering similar duties with Cowichan School District No. 79.
A consummate people person, Ian volunteered with the Duncan Food Bank and Duncan Community Living and raised support for and rode in the 2005 Cops for Cancer Tour de Rock — volunteering backup team support in subsequent Tour de Rock rides.
Condolences
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From: Brian Niles
Relation: Worked together at Saanich
I had the great pleasure of working closely with Ian from 1998-2002…he was a consummate professional who cared deeply about youth and the community. Ian was a true gentleman. So sorry to hear of his untimely passing.

From: Veronika McCabe
Relation: Parents of children playing soccer
So sorry for your loss! Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time! I remember all the times we all stood out on the soccer fields while the kids played! Rain or shine !!
Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Xoxo
Service Schedule
Private service arrangements have been made.
Memorial Gifts
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Thank You Notice
Send Flowers
Floral Tributes may be ordered at:
Blooms at 49th Parallel – 778-422-0262
Floral Bar at Party Mood – www.floralbar.ca or 250-701-3151
Floral Department at Thrifty Foods – http://floral.thriftyfoods.
When ordering please have the name of the deceased, the date of the funeral service and the Funeral Home information.
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