Obituary Notifications
Click below if you would like to be notified when a new obituary is posted.
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
Send a condolence, light a candle and/or share a memory, click "Send Condolence". Once your message has been approved by the moderator it will be posted to the website.
From: Gene Carew
Relation: Kevin and I worked together at CRA during his time in Halifax.
I am so sorry to hear of Kevin’s passing.
From poker games to golf tournaments and actual working road trips Kevin was always a pleasure to be with.
From: Marie-Pierre Larose and John Brien
Relation: Kevin is the brother of Ray Ritcey, the brother-in-law of John
My wife and I met Kevin only once at the wedding of my nephew, David, and he was
instantly friendly and generous. He invited us to visit him in British Columbia, and I
remember our interesting conversation about wine. We are sorry for his loss, and we hope that all will go well for his family and friends.
From: David Ritcey
Relation: Family
Aunt Judi, Neil and Family – We are so sad for the loss of Uncle Kevin. We are thinking about you guys everyday and send our deepest sympathies. Love, Dave and Nicole.
From: Joanne Gartrell
Relation: Friend
Judi and family. We are so sad to hear of Kevin’s passing. While we know this past while has been very hard it is still difficult. We enjoyed getting to know you both through Summerland United and appreciate all the fun times at functions. We will remember Kevin with fond memories, and will be thinking of your family during this stressful time. Sincerely Fred and Joanne Gartrell
From: Diana Bushby
Relation: Dear friend
I met Mr. Ritcey as our Director during my early years at CRA. He was a patient and respectful boss and very busy during those years making changes to improve the workplace and the workloads. It wasn’t until many years later and a fluke to find out that I had moved into the same condo tower as Kevin Ritcey. We ran into each other in the hallway and I was delighted that he remembered me. We were soon invited to join a little social group within the towers and enjoyed so many “hood nights” with the Ritceys and others. Very soon we became close friends with Judi and Kevin and they in turn became secondary dog parents to our little Havanese Tuukka. We were lucky to enjoy so many great times with Kevin and Judi over the years. I feel especially honoured to be included as a close friend. Thank you for sharing such great times together. Kevin you will live on in our memories as a bright, warm feeling of friendship and love.
From: Terry McPhillamey
Relation: Worked with Kevin at CRA
Kevin was a well respected colleague and friend. I worked with him for several years at CRA at Penticton. My condolences to Judi, Neil and all of the Ritcey family.
From: Anne Nicholson
Relation: We have been friends with Kevin and family for many years.
Judi and family so sorry for your loss. May God grant you Peace during this sad and difficult time.
Kevin was a very knowledgeable man who always exhibited integrity, compassion and love for all those he knew.
Bruce were blessed to have Kevin as a friend and cherish the times we spent together. We will certainly will miss Kevin !
Kevin is in Heaven but fond memories will remain in our hearts and with everyone that knew Kevin.
Anne Nicholson
From: Vivian Fox
Relation: friend
Judi, Neil and family – I am so sorry for your loss – I am honored to have worked with Kevin and will forever cherish the professional advice he provided over those years. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time .
From: JaneChristensen
Relation: Kevin was a good friend of my daughter and son-in-law?
Deepest sorrow for your loss. I know Kevin will be forever loved in your heart and your memories. Condolences to you and your family.
From: Mary & Jude Aucoin
Relation: Family friend
Dear Judi, Neil and Ritcey family – our deepest condolences to you all. Thinking of you in prayer at this time. Jude & Mary
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
Memorial Gifts
The family has not designated a preferred charity at this time.
Thank You Notice
Live Service
Send Flowers
[flower-delivery]
Donate In Memory
Send Condolence - For Kevin Ritcey
Use the form below to send a Condolence, light a memorial candle and/or share a personal memory.
