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Kevin John Ritcey
May 15, 1949 - December 6, 2022
Obituary
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Kevin Ritcey, on December 6th, 2022. Loving husband and best friend, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, respected colleague and friend to all who knew him. Kevin was a kind, generous and compassionate man who made each life he touched a better one.
Kevin was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia to Carvil and Lillian Ritcey and grew up in a loving family with siblings Donald Beverley, Raymond and Colleen.
In high school, he met the love of his life Judi DeYoung on an arranged date and after a six-year courtship they were married on May 16th, 1970. They welcomed the arrival of their beautiful daughter, Kerilee Patricia on August 18, 1972 and son Neil Patrick on August 25, 1975.
After his early education and attending Saint Mary’s University in Halifax he worked for the Auditor General of Nova Scotia for two years before joining Revenue Canada Taxation in September 1970. He completed an exceptional 35-year career of public service across Canada before retiring as Director of the Southern Interior Taxation Services Office in Penticton, British Columbia in April 2004.
Following his early work in Public Relations and Assessing he joined the Audit Division and enjoyed a rapid rise through the audit ranks into successive management positions while earning his CGA designation in 1981. He was promoted to Head Office in April 1982 where he travelled extensively across Canada with the Management Audit Branch. In 1984 he was promoted as Senior Finance Officer in the Atlantic Regional Office in Halifax. In 1986, he was appointed Director of the Charlottetown District Office in PEI. Two years later in August 1988, he was promoted once again to the Director’s position in Penticton, BC where he remained until retiring. Throughout his career he served on numerous regional and national task forces, committees and was recognized for leadership in innovation and change initiatives.
After his retirement Kevin completed several contracts for the International Monetary Fund to modernize Revenue Administration in the Caribbean region. He also worked part time for fifteen years with the Kemp Harvey Kemp CPA accounting firm in Penticton.
Wherever they lived across Canada Kevin & Judi enjoyed working side by side on numerous community service projects and Boards. Mostly in the sporting activities and the Arts & Cultural fields e.g., Canada Games, Ironman, OSNS; Jazz Festival. Kevin took particular delight in supporting Judi’s numerous adventures in musical and children’s theatre and local choirs.
Kevin is survived by his loving wife and best friend Judi, son Neil and daughter-in-law Reiko, grandchildren Zen – 14, Kira – 11 and Tolkien – 10, brothers Donald (Sylvia) and Raymond (Debbie) and sisters Beverley White (David) and Colleen O’Brien (Robert) as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family across Canada and around the globe. Kevin was predeceased by his daughter Keri (1972 – 1989) and son Geoffrey Scott (1974-1974)
In the days to come, we can all take comfort knowing that Kevin in his various roles as husband, Dad, Grandpa, Uncle and friend loved us unconditionally and spent a lifetime being our role model and providing us with wise counsel along the way. He will always be missed, never forgotten and forever loved.
A celebration of Kevin’s life will be held on Wednesday December 14, 2022 at 3:00 pm, at the Oasis United Church, 2964 Skaha Lake Road, Penticton. Online condolences may be sent to the kettlevalleymemorial.com. The Celebration of Life will be lived-streamed for family and friends who are unable to attend. https://www.youtube.com/@kvmemorial/live
In lieu of flowers please make a donation in Kevin’s name to the Andy Moog Hospice House or the South Okanagan Medical Foundation.
Condolences
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From: Kettle Valley Memorial Services
The Kettle Valley Memorial staff send our condolences to family and friends.
From: Daryl Meyers
I am sending my sincerest condolences to you. Wishing you peace, comfort, courage and lots of love at this time of sorrow. My heart goes out to you and your family at this difficult time. Kevin will truly be missed by so many.
From: Karen Gillis
Relation: SOWTS
Dear Judi, my deepest condolences to you and your family. The loss of Kevin is felt by many. May the memories of his wonderful personality and many contributions be celebrated by all
From: Patrick Dunn
Relation: Close friend
We first met Kevin in 2015 on Christmas Eve, at Oasis United and our friendship deepened as we continued to enjoy the Ritcey’s company over meals and during SOWTS’ events. This past New Year’s Eve they joined us for dinner, to ring in 2022, and an overnight stay. Judi mentioned, beforehand, that Kevin would probably retire to bed, after the meal, as he was already on oxygen, by then, and his energy levels were waning. However, he surprised everyone by enjoying a couple of flutes of Sparkling wine after midnight struck and chatting until close to 1:00 am. This same indomitable spirit held true each time we visited him at Moog House and we usually overstayed our allotted time, so filled with fascinating stories was Kevin. His wry, endearing smile and his self-deprecating humour were always present under all the circumstances we shared. And this is how we will remember him, and, I’m convinced, by all who were privileged to know and love such a gentleman. Corinne Durston/Patrick Dunn
From: Jack and Rhonda Williams
Relation: Neighbour and Friend
It is with deep sadness that we learned of Kevin’s passing. Our thoughts go out to Judi, Neil and Family. We will always remember and cherish the memories we shared with Kevin over the years.
From: Cheryl Ballantine & Jeanne Bailey
Relation: Colleague, then friend. Co-volunteer.
It was with deeply saddened hearts we learned of Kevin’s passing. He was great leader, friend, and inspiration to those around him. We will always feel his absence.
Our love and prayers go to his wife and family. ,
From: Gordon Fader
Relation: friend
Very sorry for Kevin’s passing. He was a great guy and we had some fun times. He gave me tax help that lasted a lifetime. Always a clear thinker and a calming influence. Many in Halifax are thinking about your loss.
From: Wendy Berlin
Relation: Friends
Judi and family we are so sorry for your loss Terry and I (Wendy) Berlin send our condolences and prayers to you and your loved ones. May God be with you today and tomorrow to help you heal and get through this sad time. Sorry we couldn’t be there with you.
RIP Kevin.
We send all our love Wendy & Terry Berlin
From: Alan Stewart
Relation: Committee member with Kevin at SOWTS for a number of years.
Judy and family: Our thoughts are with you at this sad time. Alan and Nancy Stewart.
From: Beverley Olivastri
Relation: friend
My deepest Sympathy to Judi, Neil, and family. I met Kevin when they moved to Ottawa in 1982 and we have remained friends all these years. He was a wonderful man and they both welcomed me for visits to Halifax, PEI and Penticton. He always had a twinkle in his eyes and made you feel at home. I will miss his sense of humour and his smile. May he rest in peace.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
Date & Time:
December 14, 2022
Beginning at 3:00pm
Location:
Oasis United Church
2964 Skaha Lake Road
Penticton, BC Canada
2964 Skaha Lake Road
Penticton, BC Canada
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