Joseph Roger Gilles Ritchot was born on January 13, 1942, in St. Boniface, Manitoba. In January 1960 Roger joined the Royal Canadian Navy, where he remained a member until September 1994. Roger died on June 2, 2021, in Victoria, BC, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was predeceased by his parents Elie and Alice Ritchot, and sisters Claudette and Monique.
He will be greatly missed by his wife of 57 years, Norene; children, Kevin (Riki) and Lynette (James); grandchildren, Jessica (Adrian), Stephanie (Trevor), Fisher and Marin; sister, Jackie (Don) and brother, Peter (Janet); many nieces and nephews and great friends. Being surrounded by family and friends always made Roger very happy. As a boy, he had found memories of fishing with his dad, and the passion for fishing remained with him throughout his life.
He also enjoyed square dancing, skiing, curling and golfing, but his favourite sport was watching hockey (especially “his” Canucks). After retiring in 1994, Roger dedicated a lot of his time to volunteering. He was part of the Langford Emergency Support Service team for 24 years. He also volunteered at the Juan de Fuca Senior Centre Association; washing dishes, facilitating a French class, sitting on the Board of Directors and filling the position of President for three years.
His most rewarding role was that of DJ and host for the Friday night dances and special events, music trivia and sing – a – longs. Roger loved music, and sharing his music collection with others brought him great joy. He prided himself with remembering song requests, and strived to get as many people dancing as possible. Roger was always a very reserved and private person. Through volunteering, others were able to get to know the caring, thoughtful, playful and generous man that he was.
Due to the current restrictions, a service will be held at a later date.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Michele Dietrich
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Dale Donald Sincere sympathy Norene to you and family. Norene “The pathway lays before you Pure as the driven snow, Be careful how you tread it For every step will show. And when the journey is over And the pathway you have trod May your name in Gold be written In the Autographs of God”
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Barb and Martin Hayward Norene and family, we are so sorry to hear of Roger’s passing. We have many fond memories of spending time with you in Victoria. Please know that all of you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Barb and Martin Hayward
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Barry Saladana Norene, shock and sadness best describe how I feel learning of Roger’s passing. I first met him when you and I worked together 1983-1985. It was always a good day when I spoke with Roger at the curling rink, in the office or the last time at the Colwood A&W. He was always smiling, positive and the first to help others. I can only imagine the continuing void this leaves in you and your family’s lives. I will not forget Roger – he was truly one of the “good guys”. My most sincere condolences…..
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Ron and Judy O’Brien Norene
We send our sincere condolences on Roger’s passing, and hold him in our thoughts today. He was always such a gentleman – at work and at play. We had such fun times together on the curling rink at many Logspiels, and so enjoyed his music when he was in his new role as DJ.
We are thinking of you and your family today, and hope you know how Roger will be missed on this earth. He was a fine human being, and we are sad that he was taken too soon.
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Gary and Carla smirfitt We are sorry for your loss Norene and offer our sincere condolences. We only Knew Roger for a few years from the first Friday “Do you want to dance?” dances but enjoyed every minute there. He tried so hard to get music out there for as many dancers as possible and played a great selection of music. The commitment to come even when he was not feeling too good showed how much he liked to be making us happy with the music and I think that to see us dance made him happy too. He was fun to talk to about music from the 50’s and 60’s and he challenged me with songs and artist questions.
Carla and I, me especially, loved to come to the dances he DJ’d and we had arranged for him to DJ for our 50th wedding anniversary party that unfortunately COVID cancelled in 2020.
Again our condolences and we hope that you are being supported by your family and friends.
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Jack Poulter Norene,
I have fond memories of working wth Roger and you in the Langford ESS, and learning from him.
My most sincere condolences to you and your family.
-Jack
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Arnetta Leach Norene and Family
I am so sorry to hear of Roger’s passing. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. May he RIP.
Aunty Norene, I have fond memories of Uncle Roger and yourself when we visited you in Langford. I recall lots of laughter! Those memories will always hold a special place in my heart.
(Uncle Marcel and Aunty Denise’s daughter)