Ritchie Smendziuk

A Celebration of Ritchie's Life will be held on Wednesday, December 23, 2020 at 10 a.m. in the Sacred Space at Beechwood Cemetery, in Ottawa. However, due to government-imposed restrictions related to COVID-19, attendance at the funeral service will be limited to a certain number of individuals. Should you wish to attend the service in person, you need to register in advance by texting Ritchie’s son Kyle, at 613-697-5313. 

You are also welcome to attend the service through a livestream broadcast. Click on the above tab to register.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Ritchie Smendziuk, who died suddenly December 21, 2020 at the Ottawa Hospital in the company of his son Kyle and good friend Bonnie.

Ritchie will be lovingly remembered most by the mother of his 3 children, Lynn, 3 sons, Justin, Craig & Kyle, sisters Darlene & Alice, brother Elwyn & good friend Bonnie.

Passing away at only the age of 63, Ritchie lost his battle with colon cancer just some 3 years after initially being diagnosed.

Growing up in the small town of Winnipegosis, Manitoba, he was one of six children.  Upon graduating high school, Ritchie was thrilled to be accepted to Royal Military College where he graduated with a degree in electrical engineering, all the while making some of his best lifelong friends. 

He was a navigator for many years and later retired from the forces after ~20 years as a Lieutenant Colonel.  He then went on to work as a project manager and consultant on many different space projects.

Ritchie was officially retired less than a year at his time of passing.  He loved to travel, spend time at the lake, and it seems like just yesterday that he was out waterskiing with a big smile on his face.

Many thanks to all the doctors and nurses that helped Ritchie over the last several years.

A burial ceremony will take place at a later date in the National Military Cemetery.

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