David Ritchie

David Bruce Ritchie, 59, was found after an exhaustive search on Tuesday, September 11, 2012. A celebration of life will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, September 22, 2012, at Pine Valley Foursquare Church in Bayfield.

Mr. Ritchie was born September 22, 1952, in Washington, D.C., the son of Ralph and Elizabeth Ritchie. Dave grew up an army kid in various places such as Germany, Virginia and Hawaii. He graduated from high school at Denver Lutheran in 1970 and attended Mesa College in Grand Junction, Colo. It was there that Dave met his future wife, Cheryl, and they were married on October 7, 1978, in Grand Junction. Since that time the family has lived in Grand Junction, Denver, Bayfield, and very recently moved to Pagosa Springs, Colo.

Dave has worked in various fields, including sales, real estate, in Durango for International Collectors Associates and Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory and in the insurance and investment industry.

Dave was a good friend to so many. He truly had a heart for people and would do so much for his friends. He was a tenacious and aggressive mountain biker and skier. He also was a talented marksman and shooter. His passion for speed sports also extended into dirt bikes.

Dave’s degree from Mesa College was in photography and he commonly would volunteer his time as a wedding or event photographer for no cost to the benefactors – it was a gift to the recipients.

Dave has been a faithful member of Bayfield Christian Church for more than 20 years. He has served in many capacities: church leadership, youth activities and outings, and as needed in Christian service.

David is still with us through his deeds and actions and in the hearts of those who love him. His family that survive are his wife, Cheryl Ritchie, of Pagosa Springs; his mother, Elizabeth Ritchie, of Littleton, Colo.; children: Brekka and Chris Kidd of Aurora, Colo., Daniel Ritchie of Littleton, and Joseph Ritchie of Boulder, Colo. Dave has one grandson, Braylon Kidd, also of Aurora. Dave’s siblings that survive are Doug Ritchie of Englewood, Colo., John and Pat Ritchie of Gunnison, Colo., Bob and Vicki Ritchie of Woodlands, Texas, and many extended family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his father, Ralph Ritchie, and a brother, Joe Ritchie.

Contributions in David’s name may be sent to the Ritchie family care of Bayfield Christian Church, P.O. Box 771, Bayfield, CO 81122. Floral donations for the services or financial contributions are acceptable.