
Dennis Charles Ritchie
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Dennis Ritchie Obituary and Final Salute from his wife...Debra
Dennis Charles Ritchie. Peacefully on Monday, August1, 2022, Dennis passed away at his home at the age of 78 years. Remaining to forever cherish Dennis's memory are his wife of 36 years, Debra nee McTaggart Ritchie, daughter Candace Ritchie and son Clinton and Tu Ritchie, grandchildren Veronica and Jeremy Ritchie, also his special friends John Gilson and Patrick & Claudia Dickinson.
Dennis was born in Ironwood, Michigan, Dec. 23, 1943, and then resided in Chicago for most of his childhood. When Dennis was 17 yrs old. he enlisted in the US Army to fight in Vietnam against the Vietcong until 1964 when he was transferred to Naples, Italy.
Dennis's passion was his family, and he strove to make our happiness his number one goal. He always made time for his grandchildren and family whether it was ride somewhere or a visit to them or just a foot rub and a story! He was a thoughtful and generous man with a great sense of humor, and a caring and dependable man. Dennis was remarkably intelligent and possessed deep convictions having Christian and Republican values that he tried to instill in his children. (His wife always thought he would make an excellent politician no matter where they lived.) He built many memories and changed many people. Dennis especially loved telling our love story on how we met on the train going up Churchill and living in Canada, and why he joined the military which was a huge part of his life serving his country and protecting those he loved. He tried to do something important in his life by making sacrifices in the Vietnam War.
Dennis loved his job as a Paralegal at various corporations for he had a great legal mind was very articulate. His many hobbies over the years included his music collection. watching old movies. gold panning, and sailing with his wife in the San Juan Islands, playing many Scrabble and card games.
We miss you.......Love you......... and our memories of you will live on in our hearts forever. Dennis was a good man. Cremation has taken place and at Dennis's request there will be a veteran flag ceremony in the Danekas Funeral Chapel.
A Tear for you
in memory of our love so true....
Know this is not the end
when I see you again....
My heart will finally mend.
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