RITCEY, Ronald Francis - 53, Port Hawkesbury, passed away Thursday, September 23, 2004, in Strait Richmond Hospital, Evanston, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Born in Kentville, April 14, 1951, he was the son of Frances (Payson) Ritcey, Torbrook, and the late Donald Ritcey. He was the husband and best friend of Marilyn (Davenport) Ritcey; loving father of Kelly (Chris) MacLean, Port Hawkesbury; Matthew Ritcey, Judique; grandfather of Lauren and Lucy MacLean; brother of Norm (Pat), Edmonton; Eddie (Veronica), British Columbia; Barb (Peter) Barkhouse, Jim (Sandra), both of River Phillip; Brenda (Rod) MacDonald, Port Hawkesbury; Robert (Susan), Torbrook; Jennie (Russell) MacIsaac, Stoney Plain, Alta. Ronnie will be sadly missed by his several nieces and nephews. He was predeaced by his grandson, Matthew John MacLean. Dad worked for Stora Enso, Point Tupper, for 27 years. He enjoyed his job and the many friends he worked with, especially the steam plant and the TMP guys. He had a great love for the outdoors, with golf and fishing being two of his favorite pastimes. People appreciated Dad's wit and optimism. Ronnie was known for his simplistic and accepting ways, as well as his sincerity and honesty. Visitation will be held 2-4 p.m. today in Dennis Haverstock Funeral Home, Port Hawkesbury. Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday in St. Joseph's Church, Port Hawkesbury with Rev. Wilfred Pelley officiating, assisted by Rev. Hughie D. MacDonald and Rev. Bill Crispo. Burial will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery. Donations in memory of Dad may be made to the Bone Marrow Transplant Research Fund, 8th Floor, QEII Health Sciences Centre, or the trust fund set up in his memory for the education of his grandchildren. Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at: www.haverstocks.com “GO LEAFS GO”