Dan Ritchie's Memorial Plaque
Dan Ritchie has a very unique grave marker. It is something that Chapel Lawn was introducing to families at the time of Dan's death. I know Dan was a simple man and did not spend much money on himself but I was looking for something different to celebrate his life. When the manager showed me a sample I knew that this was what I wanted. It was his life portrayed through pictures. I spent six months trying to find the right pictures and another six months waiting for the masterpiece to be completed. On September 10, 2012 (the first anniversary of Dan's death) we got our first glimpse.
The large picture in the middle of the marker is Commodore Ritchie as most of us remember him.
Start at the lower left is a picture of him in another uniform - his Air Force one.
Above is a picture of him in front of the River Rouge, patting his dog Pharaoh. This symbolizes his successful operation of the River Rouge Tours and after it was sold Pharaoh Holdings Ltd was the name of his office, where all operations were handled from.
Top right is a picture of his Millionaire Drive-Inn, which represents all of his catering ventures.
The middle right symbolizes his last few hours before his death. He loved this tractor and he is pictured driving away saying good-bye to everyone.
The last six small pictures of birds and animals remind us all of his registered charity, Pine Ridge Wildlife and Environment Foundation Inc., which he left behind for all to enjoy along with his famous words "[I am] CARETAKER OF GOD'S CREATION."
Submitted by Shelia Thorvaldson
The large picture in the middle of the marker is Commodore Ritchie as most of us remember him.
Start at the lower left is a picture of him in another uniform - his Air Force one.
Above is a picture of him in front of the River Rouge, patting his dog Pharaoh. This symbolizes his successful operation of the River Rouge Tours and after it was sold Pharaoh Holdings Ltd was the name of his office, where all operations were handled from.
Top right is a picture of his Millionaire Drive-Inn, which represents all of his catering ventures.
The middle right symbolizes his last few hours before his death. He loved this tractor and he is pictured driving away saying good-bye to everyone.
The last six small pictures of birds and animals remind us all of his registered charity, Pine Ridge Wildlife and Environment Foundation Inc., which he left behind for all to enjoy along with his famous words "[I am] CARETAKER OF GOD'S CREATION."
Submitted by Shelia Thorvaldson
Commodore Dan Ritchie passed away on Saturday, September 10, 2011. Photo taken in 2014.
His memorial plaque can be visited at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens, 4000 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg.
His memorial plaque can be visited at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens, 4000 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg.