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Merlyn "Merle" Harvey RITCHIE

December 17, 2006

RITCHIE – Merlyn Harvey “Merle”

January 17, 1935 – December 17, 2006


Merle Ritchie, born in Albion BC, passed away peacefully in Royal Inland Hospital, Kamloops BC, after a short illness. He was 71 years of age.


Merle is survived and will be remembered by his mother-in-law, Adaline Wurm; sons Kevin (Theresa), Marvin (Pam), Miles (Deneen); daughter Serena (Ron); brother Harold (Pat); sisters Anna, and Lorna (Jim). He is also remembered by his grandchildren, Jonathan (Tanya), Darryl, Mallory, Megan, Amber, Aaren, Tanner, Karlene, Donald, and by his great grandchildren Payton and Karolynn. Merle was predeceased by his parents Donald and Euphemia, his wife Florence and his brother James. He will be dearly missed by Florence’s relatives -- the Wurm family -- as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and his many friends.


Merle had a number of interesting careers. He started out cutting firewood and mending fishing nets by the Fraser River. He was a fisherman, a snag faller, a crew boss during the Raft fire, a truck driver, and he worked at the saw mill and the planer mill in Clearwater. He owned his own trucking company, went into the clothing business for awhile, and even took over a Buffalo

Burger operation.


In his younger days, Merle loved to fish and hunt. He was a dedicated ball coach; he loved softball enough to donate land and build a ball diamond for minor softball locally. He also loved music, playing guitar and singing for his friends. Most of all, Merle loved his family, especially his grandchildren in his later years.


Following cremation, a Service to Celebrate Merle’s life was held on Saturday, December 23, 2006 at 1:00 p.m. Lloyd Strickland officiated. The family requests that any donations in Merle’s memory go to the Intensive Care Unit, Royal Inland Hospital, Kamloops BC.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to North Thompson Funeral Services, 73 Taren Drive, Clearwater, BC, V0E 1N0, ph. 674-3030.



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