Remembering Scott Ritchie And His Legacy Of Kindness

As I was planning the inaugural WOBM Christmas Classic in 1984 I was told that there were two people I needed to contact.  Dave Wintrode was the owner of what was then Causeway Ford and he sponsored awards at the tournament we were replacing and Walter Ritchie of Ocean Trophies would help with whatever I needed.

Dave was a sponsor for all 40 years of the holiday basketball tournament and by the time Walt passed away in 2000 I was dealing with his son Scott, who was running the business and would do so until retiring a couple of years ago.  Even after selling his building on Route 9 in Lanoka Harbor he would still help with the trophies and continued donating those that were named after his father.

I mention all of this because I was both shocked and tremendously saddened to learn that Scott passed away earlier this week from liver cancer at the age of 66. I had last spoke with him several months ago and I knew he wasn’t feeling well but had no idea his health had deteriorated to the point where he was diagnosed just a couple of months with a disease that would take his life.

Scott, like his father, was someone who didn’t know how to say “no.” As busy as he was if someone called in desperate need of a trophy or award he would find a way to get it done.  On a regular basis he would donate items or simply “forget” to send an invoice. He had a heart of gold especially when it came to things for children.

As for his own kids, Scott leaves behind his daughters Carolyn (Eugene) and Jennifer (Ryan) and three beloved grandchildren along with his brother Patrick and sister Adele. Both his wife Linda and brother Wally died last year which were devastating losses for his family.

Viewing will be Monday from 1-5pm at Anderson & Campbell Funeral Home in downtown Toms River with a “Celebration of Life” to follow at B2 Bistro in Bayville.  The family encourages comfort, tie dye, and Grateful Dead attire in the spirit of Scott.  In lieu of flowers, please consider registering as an organ donor, or pay for the person in line behind you which is what Scott did on a regular basis.