Trot Insider has learned that during the evening of Wednesday, April 13, horseman Murray Ritchie passed away peacefully at his home in Owen Sound, Ont. surrounded by the love of his family. He was 59

.

Dearly beloved husband of Dinie Ritchie (nee Koeslag). Loving father of Adam Ritchie, of Toronto, Laura Ritchie-Seaman and her husband, Aden Seaman, of Waterloo and Joel Ritchie and his wife, Melissa, of Hamilton.

Much loved son of Leona Ritchie- Shaw, of Owen Sound and the late Spencer Ritchie. Dear brother of Wayne Ritchie and his wife, Darlene, of Owen Sound and brother-in-law of Joanne Barfoot and her husband, Mike, of Singhampton, Bert Koeslag and his partner, Wendy Dutton, of Kemble and Bill Koeslag and his wife, Patti, of R.R. #2, Shallow Lake. Predeceased by his in-laws, Albert and Johanna Koeslag and his step-father, Earl Shaw.

Friends may call at the Brian E. Wood Funeral Home, 250 - 14th Street West, Owen Sound, Ont., N4K - 3X8 (519-376-7492) on Sunday, April 17 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

A funeral service for Ritchie will be held at the Funeral Home Chapel, on Monday, April 18 at 11:00 a.m. with Dr. Brad Clark officiating. Interment in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Georgian Bluffs.

If so desired, the family would appreciate donations to the Canadian Cancer Society (for Pancreatic Cancer Research) or the Canadian Diabetes Society as your expression of sympathy.

Messages of condolence may be sent to the family at [email protected].

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Murray Ritchie.