Our Founder, Commodore Daniel Anthony Ritchie
Dan Ritchie was born on October 18, 1924 and lived on a farm in Battleford, Saskatchewan. In the 1920's and 1930's he learned life's lessons early. He realized that if he had a dream, he would have to rely on himself to reach it. He left the farm and served in the Royal Canadian Air Force during World War II, worked in Northern Ontario and managed food services for Malton Airport in Toronto. He moved to Winnipeg in the late 1950's and purchased property by the Red River on Nairn Avenue. He loved boats and incorporated a drive-in restaurant known as "Snow Cap." He was also the owner of the Millionaire Drive-Inn chain.
Dan always had a dream of building a large vessel and in 1965 The River Rouge was built. He was the sole owner and operator of the River Rouge and it became the largest river cruise ship in Canada. At the same time, he loved farming and spent many hours harvesting on his farms in the St. Pierre and Rosser areas. He also owned houses and commercial buildings, which he leased. One of his friends got him interested in art and he became a collector. It was at this time that he met and began a long friendship with the famous Canadian stained glass artist and sculptor Leo Mol. Dan loved animals and wanted to protect the environment. He cared for many stray and abandoned dogs and cats, supported the Humane Society and many other organizations dedicated to prevention of animal cruelty. In 1959 Dan purchased an old gravel pit just outside of Winnipeg and on July 5, 1990 the Pine Ridge Wildlife and Environment Foundation Inc. became a registered, not-for-profit charitable organization. Over the years this devoid gravel pit became like a Garden of Eden for wild animals and birds. Dan personally funded this projected.
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Dan Richie in a field of Manitoba sunflowers (c. 1990).
Dan Richie on his tractor at the Pine Ridge Wildlife and Environment Foundation Inc. property (September 9, 2011).
A Registered CharityThe Pine Ridge Wildlife and Environment Foundation is a registered charity. Registered Charitable Number: 122739980RR0001.
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