As many of you now know, my holiday to Florida was tragically cut short this week when we received the devastating news that our best friend Ritchie had died suddenly of a massive heart attack playing hockey. We headed straight for the airport and upon arrival home went directly to be with his wife and their 2 children ages 9 and 7.
Ritchie was just 40 years old. He and John had been best friends since grade 9. They stood up for each other at their weddings and were God Fathers to each others child. They had made a lifetime of memories together, before I even met Ritchie. When I did meet him, not long after meeting John, I met his girlfriend Wendy, who became one of my dearest friends. Little did I know 17 years ago, how big an impact these 2 people were going to have on my life.
The four of us made many memories together as well. A tropical vacation to Antigua, summer cottaging, Easter Egg hunts at Campbells Orchard, birthday parties and dinner dates too numerous to recall. Ritchie and Wendy were at the hospital when our first son was born, and shared in our first joy of parenthood. Whenever John needed a hand with something around the house, it was Ritchie who would show up to help. Even if Wendy had a list of chores for him to do at home, lending John a hand, was always a big priority. When I think of things he has helped us with a few examples are : moving, laying sod, cutting trees, tearing down old garages, fixing the car, putting up the walls in my store; not to mention watching the kids!!
Ritchie was a son, a husband, a father, a brother, and a friend to so many. The line during his visitation was out the door of the funeral home and the chapel was full and there was standing room only in the overflow room for his service. He was an employee of the city of Belleville for 18 years and the respect he commanded there was evident in the honour guard of public works vehicles and employees that lined Dundas St. yesterday afternoon as Ritch was driven to his final resting place on a beautiful hill overlooking the Bay just a few miles down the road from his home.
Ritch loved fast cars, hockey, cold beer, a good joke and telling stories! But most of all he loved his family and friends. I hope he knew how much we loved him! I wish that we had made a point of telling him!
I leave you tonight with one thought:
Carpe Diem – Seize the Day! So what if your house isn’t clean or your bank account balance is low. Enjoy every minute because you never know when it will be your last, or the last for someone you love.
Rest in Peace Batman.
