William Deyman Ritchie, April 14, 1930 — January 27, 2019

WILLIAM’s Obituary William Deyman Ritchie, 88, of Vero Beach, Florida passed away on Sunday, January 27, 2019 following a hard-fought battle against Alzheimer’s disease. He was born April 14, 1930 at St. Luke’s Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio to William Alexander and Emma Deyman Ritchie. Bill grew up in Plainfield, New Jersey and spent most of his summers visiting his beloved aunt and uncles on their farms in Ohio.

He attended Ohio State University and served four years in the Air Force, spending two years in Okinawa during the Korean War. He married his childhood playmate, Dale Walton, on September 4, 1954 at Christ Episcopal Church in Shaker Heights, Ohio. After the Airforce, Bill began a life-long career in the banking industry.

He lived in Chagrin Falls, Ohio and Boca Raton, Florida before retiring to Vero Beach in 1986. Bill was often happiest during the ten summers he spent at his mountain home, “Fairview” in Hound Ears Club, Blowing Rock, North Carolina. Bill was a former member of The Moorings Club, the Treasure Coast Navy League and the Treasure Coast Scottish Society, where he was proud to embrace his heritage and ensure his family’s legacy (along with his Highland dress) was passed down to his grandchildren.

Bill is survived by his wife, Dale; their three sons, William W. Ritchie (Lenora), Peter A. Ritchie, and Andrew D. Ritchie (Jennifer); and three grandchildren, Jackson, Liam and Drew. He is also survived by his devoted sister, Joyce Clark, who he called his “sunflower” during his later years. The family will honor Bill’s life at a private memorial in Blowing Rock later this year.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Alzheimer and Parkinson Association of Indian River County, 2300 5th Avenue, Vero Beach, Florida 32960, www. alzpark.org, or VNA & Hospice Foundation, 1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach, FL 32960, www. vnatc.com.

The family would like to thank the caregivers at The Brennity, VNA Hospice and Alzheimer and Parkinson Association for the care and kindness they showed to Bill over the years. Bill’s family is at peace knowing his soul is free and his mind has returned to the generous man they knew and loved.

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