Circle of Life

I am typing this post with a very heavy heart. (wiping tears from eyes). John's father passed away on Tuesday in Michigan. I only knew Orville for a short time, but the four years that I got to know him, I learned what an amazing person he was. A man full of wisdom, wonderful stories and one heck of a sense of humor. I am SO very grateful that Orville got to meet Adrey, and that we have pictures of the two of them together, so that we can show Adrey the photos later in life and teach him about the man his Grandfather was. These next three photos were taken in May 2009 the one and only time Adrey got to spend time with his Grandpa.

This next photo (May 2008) is of Orville and four of his five children...

Jacqui, Jim, Judee, John, Orville (Jeanne not pictured)

Below is the obituary the posted in Michigan.

ORVILLE LEWIS RITCHEY

11/2/1919 - 3/30/2010

Age 90 of Riverview, passed away peacefully of natural causes on March 30, 2010 in Trenton, Michigan. Born in Tin Town, Pennsylvania, his family moved to Wyandotte, MI when he was a child. A graduate of Roosevelt High School, he then began a lifetime career at Pennwalt Corporation (then Sharples). At the time of his retirement he was a Shift Superintendent. A World War II veteran, Orville flew 35 missions as a top turret gunner and tech sergeant with the 95th group of the the 8th Army Air Corps on B-17s. After returning to civilian life, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy Reserves and retired after 32 years as a Chief Petty Officer. Preceded in death my Marjorie, his beloved wife of 53 years, his is survived by his five children, Jacqueline (Ron) Fletcher, Jeanne (Tom) Leitzel, James (Joan) Ritchey, Judee (Mats) Lonnemo, and John (Leah) Ritchey; seven grandchildren, Emily, Jay, Leif, Christina, Jack, Max, and Adrey; one great grandchild, Jules; his sisters-in-law, Rosemary Clem and Joan LaBadie; and numerous close friends from Tim Horton. Orville was a man who truly loved life, was a great storyteller, and excellent golfer, and made friends immediately wherever he went. Orville and Marjorie loved to travel and visited Europe and most of the United States including Alaska.

Adrey and his brother/sister sent flowers to the funeral home with a note that read:
"We love and we'll miss you, Grandpa.

Love, Adrey and "the little one on the way"

John took a picture of them and emailed it to me.

This next photo broke my heart when I saw it, and still makes me weep every time I look at it. John and his siblings went to the nursing home where Dad was living and this was the collage of photos on his bedroom wall. He loved Adrey (as he did all his grandchildren) very much and was so proud to be his Grandpa. (tears literally streaming down my face). John emailed this to me also.

John received the news of his dad at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday. At 2:02 p.m. our friend Anthony texted us to say, "Beautiful Baby Boy". Yes, Anthony and Erin gave birth to a beautiful baby boy. That my friends, is the circle of life. Gives me chills to think about.

Introducing the beautiful and perfect newest addition:

Zachary Gregory Heintz

March 30, 2010

7 pounds, 8 ounces ~ 19 inches

Perfect in every way. We wish you all the happiness in the world Erin and Anthony. Your new lives with this little one will be so much richer and fuller. We wish you all the best. Love you!