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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Digital Guestbook
Carol moher
Marc Fraser
RIP Ritchie - fondly remembering our time at RMC
Our reunions and my visit to Ottawa for Canada’s 150th. You were a great friend and I will miss you.
Brenda Chartrand
I am shocked to hear of the unexpected passing of Ritchie. He was a strong man who continued living life, all while undergoing cancer treatments and experiencing great physical pain. My condolences go out to his family and his special friend Bonnie.
Lori Borley
It is with heavy heart that I wish to attend this virtual service accompanied by my mother, and Ritchie”s Aunt Mary. Heartfelt condolences to the family. Dear Ritchie, I regret not getting to know you better. Your cousin, Lori
Walter Natynczyk
A wonderful gentleman and a gentle soul, Rich was a pillar of strength and confidence. He is missed. May a virtual embrace sustain family and friends at this time of loss. Heartfelt condolences.
Tom Lawson
Deepest condolences to the Smendziuk family. Ritchie and I were classmates at RMC and I deeply admired his ability to grasp difficult technical concepts and to translate them for the rest of us. His wonderful sense of humour and warm good-nature made him someone everybody wanted to spend time with. He will be deeply missed by so many.
Tom Lawson
Peter Boone and Cherylee Black
My condolences to Ritchie's family. We have been friends for thirty years and became closer friends when we were both part of the Canadian Surveillance of Space Project 15 years ago. His Project Management skills were extraordinary and he saved the the project that delivered DND's first owned and operated satellite more than once. Amongst my closest friends, I will remember him for his upbeat and positive attitude about life in general. I will miss our outings for meals and sporting events.
Reginald Best
Ritchie was an incredible person. Always ready to help. Prayers and condolences go out to the family.
Bozenna and Jan Kazmierczak
Our prayers are with you.
Anik M Rahman
My heartfelt condolences to Ritchie’s family and to Bonnie, he was always very generous and kind, he was very proud of his children’s professional achievements, he’ll be missed, I had a pleasure to know him when I was a tenant of his Kanata residence, he made sure I felt comfortable during my stay, a true gentleman who treated all people with fairness, it was sad to see him struggling physically while battling with cancer for last couple years but he never gave up, May his soul Rest In Peace, I’m sure he’s in a better place!
Our deepest sympathy to Ritchie’s precious family
May God comfort and console each of you as we pray a glorious heavenly welcome for Ritch
Love and prayers
Carol and Mike Moher