Obituary of William (Bill) Charles Ritchot

March 14, 1953 - November 5, 2018

It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather William (Bill) Charles Ritchot on Monday, November 5, 2018 at the U of A Hospital in Edmonton at the age of 65 years.

Bill was born on March 14, 1953 in Winnipeg, Manitoba to Ted and Clara Ritchot. Bill was the 4th child in a family of 8. As his dad was in the military, Bill learned at an early age to adjust and thrive in new surroundings, a trait he instilled within his own family later in life.

In 1981, Bill was in a bar. No one was surprised. When he spotted Kathleen across the room that special night, he knew instantly that it was the beginning of what would become a 37-year love story. They welcomed two beautiful daughters and so began the life of Bill and His Girls. Bill began his career with Canada Post, which would take his family across Alberta and BC until settling in Grande Prairie. He began work in the oilfield where he would take on many different roles over the course of his 20-year career.

He was happiest out in a boat in the early morning hours, getting in a quick 18 holes or sitting by a campfire with a drink in hand. He was always the first to the party and the last to leave, doing everything in his power to attend every wedding, reunion or birthday he could.

The biggest joy in Bill's life was his family. He loved nothing more than being surrounded by the people he loved. He believed himself to be the luckiest man there ever was to be blessed with his wife and daughters. His love grew as his family grew by first welcoming his Sons-In-Law to the family and lastly, the long-awaited arrival of his beloved grandchildren.

He is survived by his loving wife Kathleen, his daughters Alicia (Ryan) Burwood and Ashley (Ryan) Loughead, his grandchildren Brandon and Kenzie Loughead, his siblings Ted (Barb) Ritchot, Nancy (Bill) Geier, Glenda (David) Forseth, Cathy (Bill) Smith, Randy (Elaine) Ritchot, Sheila (Lance) Topham, and Ron (Sydney) Ritchot, he is also survived by his numerous nieces and nephews.

Bill was predeceased by his parents Ted and Clara Ritchot, and his nephew Ryan Ritchot.

Bill will be forever remembered for his kindness, his infectious smile and his larger than life personality. He left a lasting impression on every person he met. He thought he was the lucky one to have us, but we all know we were the truly lucky ones to have had him.

Forever Missed, Never Forgotten.

Care entrusted to Bear Creek Funeral Home www.bearcreekfuneral.com 780-830-7742