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
Randy and Laurel Rodgers
Maria and Joseph Fersht
Ritchie was a gentleman -very kind and generous guy. Our prayers going out to his family and friends. May he lay in peace
Waldemar Borys
I had the pleasure of working with Ritchie at the end of his career. Besides being a skilled strategist and staff officer whose arguments were contemplated at the highest levels of the Department, he had a warm heart that made new acquaintances immediate friends. He fought cancer with a strength and dignity that is an inspiration to us all.
Randy Smith
Ritchie was a kind and gentle soul, a friend to everyone. Soar with the angels Richie!
Rick and Lora Chopp
Our deepest sympathy goes out to Justin, Craig and Kyle and the extended family of Ritchie. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all at this difficult time.
Nicole Rowland
Uncle, you had a smile as warm as the sun
And you were always so loving to me, my friends, and husband, and unless. Thank you for your beautiful cycle of life and all the love growing up. I know your spirit lives on! Amazing grace, will lead you home.
Perry and MaryLou Comeau
MaryLou and I send our deepest condolences to the Smendziuk family and to Bonnie. After meeting through work only about 5 years ago we have had the opportunity to share many memories with Ritchie at the lake, suppers, concerts and Senators games. He was truly a kind and gentle human and without a doubt has touched many hearts along his journey. He will be missed by many, and certainly by us.
Cindy Coulthart
Sending hugs and condolences to all the family and friends. It’s with a heavy heart that I remember my cousin. I wish I could have known you better Ritchie.
Krystyna and Greg Dacey
Our hearts go out to you in your time of sorrow.
Charlotte Rosen
Although I only met him once he left an impression on myself and my husband. He was kind and friendly and enjoyed his company so much. Our condolences to all the family and especially to our dear friend and his sister Darlene and her family. May he rest in peace!
Laurel and I send our sincerest condolences. Laurel enjoyed talking with Ritchie about their Winnipegosis connections and I enjoyed catching up with him at the informal space focused ECWGs (Elephant and Castle Working Groups). Ritchie will certainly be missed.