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John Ritchie

July 16, 2022
Portage, MI

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Ritchie, John 6/14/1937 - 7/16/2022 Portage John passed away on 7-16-2022. He was born in Kalamazoo on June 14th, 1937, the son of the late Thomas and Ethel Ritchie. On June 6th he married Myrna White and together they celebrated 64 years of marriage. Besides his wife, he is survived by his children Mark (Sherly) of Mattawan, Brad (Tina) of Portage, brother Robert Ritchie (Sharon), and 8 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his daughter Shawn in (2010) and sisters Dorothy and Mary (Cal). John graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School in 1955 and attended WMU with augmented education by attending Hillsdale College, Tulane University, and Davenport College. He is a member WMU Varsity club and Delta Chi Fraternity. John was employed at the Upjohn Company in 1959 retiring after 33 years as Manager of Worldwide Logistics where he was the recipient of the Upjohn award. While at the Upjohn Company he served as Vice President Board of Directors on Battle Creek, Calhoun, and Kalamazoo US custom port authority. He was also a member of the American Airline Freight Systems Advisory Board. John made a number of friends while officiating football and basketball for 25 years. He began at the high school level and ended his career in the MIAA. He was a lifetime member of the Kalamazoo Officials Association. He was an avid Notre Dame fan and a member of the Quarterback Club which held luncheons on Friday before home games at the University. John enjoyed his ND collection of memorabilia that filled a large space in his home. One of John's special times was spent deer hunting with his sons and grandson at his property in Climax. It was fun with great times spending 14 years as winter residents and 6 years as permanent residents in the Villages in Florida. No service is planned for at this time.