Hume Paul Ritchie passed away October 27, 2010, after a brief illness just short of his 91st birthday on November 21, 2010. He was predeceased by his wife, Nell (nee Ralph); and is survived by his daughter, Marna McLaren; son-in-law, Andrew; grandsons, Duncan and Ross; and great-grandson, Malcolm.
Apart from the war years and the past three years in Salmon Arm, Hume lived his life in the Grand Forks - Christina Lake area, and never ceased to lovingly think of these communities as home.
While a Flight Sergeant in the RCAF, Hume's Lancaster was shot down on a bombing mission over France. One of four to survive from the crew of seven, he was fortunate enough to be rescued and hidden by a French farm family until the Americans reached a local village and were able to pass him back through their lines to safety.
After the war, Hume worked as a Customs Officer at Laurier and Danville. He loved his family and friends, music, fishing, Bridge, Crib, and Scrabble. Three dogs shared Hume and Nell's lives through the years; the most beloved being “Maxi”. Hume wrote a column for The Grand Forks Gazette called “The Game Bag” which both entertained and informed outdoor enthusiasts for a number of years; and he was involved with the local Search and Rescue after his retirement from Customs.
Hume's pride in Canada never diminished, nor his abhorrence of war. We will miss his wry, self-deprecating humour which remained intact to the end.
A private graveside ceremony will take place in the Spring, thus respecting Hume's request that there be no funeral. Fischer’s Funeral Services of Salmon Arm were in care of arrangements.