VISALIA, CALIF. — Clarence James (C.J.) Ritchie passed away Dec. 26, 2013 at the age of 87.
Clarence was born on June 18, 1926 in Pryor, Okla. to Floyd and Virgie Ritchie. In the 1930’s, Floyd moved his family to California from Oklahoma during the Great Dust Bowl. They settled in the Visalia area. Clarence graduated from Visalia High School. He then enlisted in the United States Navy. He fought in World War II, and was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1947. Upon returning to Visalia, Clarence began his farming career by renting 40 acres of open ground. Through hard work and guidance from his friend and mentor, Dick Shannon, Clarence grew his farming operation to include not only cotton, corn and other annual crops, but also grapes almonds and walnuts, amongst other things that would sprawl throughout Tulare, Kings and Kern Counties. In the early 1970’s, Clarence brought his sons into the operation and later his grandsons. For Clarence, it was a great source of pride to work alongside his family each and every day.
Clarence had many passions, one of which was aviation. Never to do things halfway, he became an accomplished pilot. He mastered the craft so well; he could fly anything from a float plane to a jet. You could always count on looking to the sky around mid-morning and seeing Clarence flying around the ranch before he headed to the West Side.
Another true love of Clarence’s was living life the “cowboy” way. Whether it was team roping with a family member or friend or branding calves, you could always find him in the middle of it. The “cowboy” lifestyle truly epitomized who Clarence Ritchie was: strong, silent, a man of his word and a man of honor. It’s the same way of living that he instilled in his children, their children and the great-grandchildren that continue to grow in number.
Clarence was involved in numerous clubs and organizations, including the Elks Club, Rancheros Visitadores, numerous water boards and agencies and he was a 50 year member of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. He also spent countless hours giving his time to a number of charitable causes.
Whether it was fishing in Canada with Dick or playing in his band “Fun Country” with his friend, Tony Buldo, Clarence always did things the way they were meant to be done, never settling for less than 100%. But you would never hear Clarence boasting about his accomplishments others had to do it for him.
Family members, friends, co-workers and complete strangers knew that when it came to Clarence Ritchie, you could count on him to give his best. Never one to turn his back on anyone, Clarence was a man who didn’t have to say a word to get his point across. And that’s how he will be remembered by the many that were lucky enough to know him. Clarence Ritchie, a true legend, will be sorely missed. His loss will be a void that can never be replaced, and a wound that will never heal.
Clarence is survived by his wife, Shirley; sons, Larry Ritchie and his wife Mary, Jeff Ritchie and his wife Kristi; brothers, Doyle Ritchie and wife Wanda, Floyd Ritchie Jr. and wife Elaine; sisters, Ruby White and Ilene McLain and husband Gary; grandchildren, Katrina Atkins and husband Claude, Casey Ritchie and wife Leslie, Kristofer Ritchie and wife Lisa, Ashley Schwarm and husband Conor; nine great grandsons and one great granddaughter. Clarence is preceded in death by his parents Floyd and Virgie, his brother Clyde and sister Juanita.
In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to the Boys and Girls Club - The Sequoias, 15892 Azalea Ave., Ivanhoe, CA 93235. A memorial was held Jan. 6 at the Visalia Country Club. Arrangements by Miller Memorial Chapel, Visalia.
Shirley and Clarence Ritchie