Patricia,(Sissy or Patty) Shumate
Wednesday June 29, 2005 at
8:54 PM
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I will miss Paul he was a friend and I felt like he was family to me also..I will cherish the things that he gave me from the old house that his mother made forever
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Fran
Tuesday June 28, 2005 at
5:46 PM
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Patty, Someone sent this to me today, it really touched my heart. In our time of sorrow, it gives us all something to thing about. Love, Fran
If I knew it would be the last time that I'd see you fall asleep,
I would tuck you in more tightly
and pray the Lord, your soul to keep.
If I knew it would be the last time that I see you walk out the door, I would give you a hug and kiss and call you back for one more.
If I knew it would be the last time I'd hear your voice lifted up in praise, I would video tape each action and word, so I could play them back day after day.
If I knew it would be the last time, I could spare an extra minute to stop and say "I love you," instead of assuming you would KNOW I do.
If I knew it would be the last time I would be there to share your day, Well I'm sure you'll have so many more, so I can let just this one slip away.
For surely there's always tomorrow
to make up for an oversight,
and we always get a second chance
to make everything just right.
There will always be another day
to say "I love you," And certainly there's another chance to say our "Anything I can do?"
But just in case I might be wrong,
and today is all I get,
I'd like to say how much I love you and I hope we never forget.
Tomorrow is not promised to anyone, young or old alike,
And today may be the last chance
you get to hold your loved one tight.
So if you're waiting for tomorrow,
why not do it today?
For if tomorrow never comes,
you'll surely regret the day,
That you didn't take that extra time for a smile, a hug, or a kiss
and you were too busy to grant someone, what turned out to be their one last wish.
So hold your loved ones close today, and whisper in their ear,
Tell them how much you love them
and that you'll always hold them dear.
Take time to say "I'm sorry,"
"Please forgive me," "Thank you," or "It's okay." And if tomorrow never comes, you'll have no regrets about today.
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Brenda McClanahan
Tuesday June 28, 2005 at
10:16 AM
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Dear Patty, I was so sorry to hear about Paul my heart grieves with yours. I wish i could be there and put my arms around and tell you it will be ok but you probably wouldn't believe me anyways. God doesn't make mistakes so he must have had a bigger plan for Paul in heaven. I know he was your soul mate cause you told me so...let that wonderful feeling carry you through the rest of your days til you two meet again. Love you and will be praying for you daily.
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Charlie Shuff
Sunday June 26, 2005 at
9:07 PM
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Hi Patti and Family;
I want to send my condolences to you on you loss. I will give you a call in the next couple of days.
Charlie
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Nikkie Sierra (Hammond)
Friday June 24, 2005 at
12:43 PM
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Pat, I just wanted to say how much Paul will be missed. When I think back to a lot of my young summers I see the two of you there boating with us. In fact, I think of laughing,water guns, fireworks and happy times when I think of the two of you. I am sorry you are going through this and send my love.
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nancy barnes
Wednesday June 22, 2005 at
9:51 PM
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your husband was a great man because of him today i'm a paid firefighter in greenville sc i learn alot from him me and my husband both he will be greatly missed
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Amanda Hope Ball
Wednesday June 22, 2005 at
9:38 PM
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Pat & Michelle ~ I spoke to each of you at the funeral, although I had never met you. I was lucky enough to have known your husband and father for almost eleven years. I met him at Twin Fall's State Park when I was twelve years old. We have kept in touch over the years, he's been like a father to me. I lost my father over three years ago and somehow Paul helped me through that difficult time. I just want you both to know how wonderful I thought he was, I will always and forever miss him greatly.
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Carrie Fornal
Tuesday June 21, 2005 at
4:33 PM
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Pat - I just cannot tell you how sad I was to hear about Paul. It is so young and just doesn't seem possible that something like that should happen to such a bright spirit. I always remember Paul making me laugh when I was growing up, always being silly and having a good time. I have very fond memories of both of you, actually. Some people just kind of reach out and make you feel good inside, and you guys are those kind of people. I am so sorry for your loss and my thoughts are with you.
Carrie (Janie and Paul's Carrie)
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Mike Goode-Pineville Fire Dept.
Tuesday June 21, 2005 at
1:45 PM
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Our prayers are with you and your family. Those of us in the Police and Fire community here in Wyoming county considered Paul part of our family. When he entered the room he got everyone's full attention. He will be sadly missed here for many years to come. Please rest assured there will be Paul Ritchie tales told here for the next fifty years. God bless you and your family.
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Craig Simpson - Shepherdstown Fire Dept
Tuesday June 21, 2005 at
12:17 AM
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My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Please accept my condolences. I met Paul several years ago in a class he taught and then in January of 2000, he spent some time in Shepherdstown during the Mid-East Peace Talks. He was a very entertaining person and we all had a great time talking with him. Your loss is also a great loss to the entire state of West Virginia.
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Roger L. Snow, Jr.- Pineville Police Chief
Monday June 20, 2005 at
2:24 PM
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Paul's passion for his job, co-workers, and friends will never be replaced or forgotten. He never came to Wyoming County that he did not look me up before he left. I, along with anyone who knew Ritchie, lost a great friend. Thanks for the memories
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Ray Nimmo, Senior Agent, USBP
Monday June 20, 2005 at
11:41 AM
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I was fortunate enough to know and serve with Paul in his several capacities, as a Paramedic, as a Fire Officer, and as Fire Marshal. He excelled at all. He was truly a man you wanted around when bad things happended. However, he was also a man you wanted around when nothing was happening. Time spent with Paul was always entertaining. He was always quick with a joke or a prank.
He will be missed greatly by all. Our prayers are with you.
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Brenda McClanahan
Monday June 20, 2005 at
10:16 AM
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Patty, So sorry to hear of your loss of Paul. May your memories help get you through this time of great heartache. You will be in my prayers daily. God bless you
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Rose Thornburg
Monday June 20, 2005 at
9:52 AM
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Patty-
I'm so sorry about Paul. I started to the service, but turned around and went to see Tom instead. I don't think he really understood when I told him about it. I kept remembering the time Paul took him to the edge of the dam in the little boat and Tom swore he was trying to kill him. I'd like to be able to remember both of them that way! Just know you are in my thoughts and prayers ... if you need anything or just want to talk, call me. Love you, Rose
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Tim and Carolyn Blatt
Monday June 20, 2005 at
4:10 AM
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Patty, Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Although we weren't there we have constantly thought of you and yours..I love you my friend and my heart aches for you.
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Hanover Volunteer Fire Dept. (Wyoming Co. WV)
Monday June 20, 2005 at
12:57 AM
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It has saddened our hearts to lose a dear friend. Our deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family. Paul's memory will live in our hearts forever.
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Janet & Ed Scott
Monday June 20, 2005 at
12:22 AM
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We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Paul was one-of-a-kind. We have been involved in EMS & fire service for fifteen years and have worked with Paul many times. I don't think there was anyone like him. He will be greatly missed.
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Deborah Whie Hoff
Sunday June 19, 2005 at
10:36 PM
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Pat, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I have the greatest memories of you and Paul and the 30+ years that I've known you both. I will cherish these memories. My deepest sympathy in the loss of your soul mate. With Love, Deb
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RAY TOLER
Sunday June 19, 2005 at
9:53 PM
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EVERY AGENCY IN WYOMING COUNTY LOVED PAUL RITCHIE, AND WHEN HE ENTERED OUR COUNTY, EVERY ONE FROM POLICE, FIRE AND EMS RESPECTED HIM NOT ONLY AS A FELLOW OFFICER BUT AS A FRIEND . THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS OF WYOMING COUNTY NOT ONLY LOST A GREAT INVESTIGATOR BUT WE LOST ONE OF THE BEST FRIENDS WE EVER HAD. EVERY ONE HAS A MEMORY OR A STORY ABOUT RITCHIE AND HE WILL LIVE IN OUR HEARTS FOREVER. TO HIS FAMILY THANKS FOR SHARING HIM WITH US. MAY GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU IN HIS CARE.
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Tammy & Robert Bussard
Sunday June 19, 2005 at
7:32 PM
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I was and continue to be extremely saddened by the news of Paul's passing. He was a great man, teacher and most of all a friend. Paul has held a special place in my heart since the very first class I attended in 1998. He will be greatly missed by so many.
My families thoughts and prayers go out to all of Paul's family, friends, and colleagues. May you all find peace and comfort with the memories of him that will remain with us forever.
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Jason M. Spears, EMT-P
Sunday June 19, 2005 at
6:40 PM
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My thoughts and prayers go out to you at your time of loss. I got to know Paul during the many fire classes, and while on BVFD. Rest in peace Paul, and we will me you.
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Barbara Jobe & Dusty
Sunday June 19, 2005 at
5:44 PM
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Pat, Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Michelle, and the boys. Paul will truely be missed by many people. He touched many lives. We have many fond memories from the time you were our neighbors. May God be will you all in your time of sorrow.
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mark stamper former fireman barboursville
Sunday June 19, 2005 at
2:07 PM
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PATTY.. I WILL MISS HIM AND THE WAY HE CHANGED MY LIFE HE SAVED ME GOD BLESS YOU...........
MARK STAMPER UNIT 248...
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Claude Watters
Sunday June 19, 2005 at
1:26 PM
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I was deeply sadden to hear of Pauls passing. I met him during a EMT class we both had together. He was always friendly, and willing to talk to anyone in class. He will be missed.
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Heather Humphrey
Sunday June 19, 2005 at
1:05 PM
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Pat,
I wanted you to know how sorry I am for the the loss of Paul. As you know the two of you have been like as second set of parents to me as I grew up in the fire dept. I have many great memories of the both of you that I treasure deeply. I am deeply thankful for all the love and suport that I have been given. He loved life and it showed. He loved his job and giving back and that is very inspiring to me. I was discussing with him how to get involved with arson investigation and was looking forward to the knowledge I would gain. I want you to know I will continue this journey with his memory guiding me though the way.
I will be thinking of you and praying for you in the days to come.
Heather Humphrey
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Jack L Humphrey
Sunday June 19, 2005 at
12:55 PM
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Pat,
I am deeply sadened by the loss of Paul. My thoughts are with you and the family.
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Christopher Kyle Smith, RN, CLNC
Sunday June 19, 2005 at
10:20 AM
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I was deeply moved by the news of Paul's premature demise. I've known him for 25 years and will miss him greatly. I truly believe he lived life the way he wanted to and according to his own agenda. He did what he loved and turned it into a career. I will miss him very much.
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Kelly Wildridge Whyte
Sunday June 19, 2005 at
8:53 AM
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Patty,please accept my deepest sympathies in the loss of your dear Paul.You'll be in my thoughts.
With love,Kelly
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Fran
Sunday June 19, 2005 at
8:53 AM
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Michelle, I am thinking of you on this day, and especially since it is Father's Day. It is really hard to lose a parent. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. I remember when i first met you. You were 3 yrs. old. and visiting your Dad. He was always so proud and he loved you very much. Keep your memories of him close to your heart, he will always be with you. Love, Fran
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David Wells
Saturday June 18, 2005 at
11:41 PM
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OUr thoughts and prayers go out to you at your time of loss. I had the privledge of working a fire investigation several months ago with Paul, he taught me a few things in such a short amount of time. We in the fire service have lost a great teacher and friend. From all members of the East Fork VFD, Thanks Paul.....and May God Bless You All
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Robby & Lois Baker
Saturday June 18, 2005 at
11:32 PM
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Mine & Lois's deepest sympathy and condolences are with the Family, relatives, and numerous friends of Paul. We value our wonderful memories of knowing and working with him and we know that all of those who have continued to work with him are feeling the sadness of losing a true "Brother" and a caring friend...May God Bless Pat and the Family and we will keep Paul's memories with us forever.
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Prichard Fire Dept
Saturday June 18, 2005 at
10:36 PM
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The members of the Prichard VFD are really Sorry for the Loss of Paul. We was Heart Broken when we was told of his Death . He was a true friend and no matter when you would need him he did not care if it was rain or shine he would be there. Paul will always be rememberd around The Fire House as a Great Friend . May God Bless . The members of the Prichard Fire Dept.
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Vanessa VanGilder
Saturday June 18, 2005 at
10:31 PM
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I had met Paul in the past at various fire service classes and had the honor of being in the Explosive Recognition Class at Fayette County fire school last weekend, which Paul helped to teach. He had such great expertise in his field and excitement in teaching others. This dedication will be greatly missed by those in emergency services around the state.
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The Rev & Mrs Gilbert Watkins
Saturday June 18, 2005 at
7:53 PM
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You have our deepest sympathy,
in the loss of Mr Ritchie.
Gil & Monica
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Janie Hammond
Saturday June 18, 2005 at
6:11 PM
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Dear Pat,
Our friendship goes back to when Nikkie was just 5 months old (she's 24 now with 3 beautiful babies). I will never forget the first time I met Paul Ritchie. He had a pot on his head, just being silly. I always loved that about him and his sense of humor. I want you to know that I have always loved you you both and my prayers are with you.
Love, Janie
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Patti andRandy Vanderbeek
Saturday June 18, 2005 at
4:32 PM
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Dearest Michelle
Our hearts are breaking for you at this so very difficult and painful time. Please know our love and prayers are with you and your family now and in the days ahead.
Much love
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Doug Townsend
Saturday June 18, 2005 at
3:33 PM
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I am very sorry to hear about Paul's unexpected passing. He was a great leader as my fire chief at Barboursville for 4 years. He was a great man and great friend to all of us and he will be missed greatly. I ask that God bless his entire family during this difficult time.
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Debby Kerns Stover
Saturday June 18, 2005 at
3:19 PM
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My Prayers are with you and your family. I also lost my father this year so the death of Paul will make this fathers day harder. I worked with him also at cabell county and you never knew what to expect when he was on duty. There was always a laugh going on because someone had fallen for one of his jokes. I will never forget those times! With Deepest Sympathy Deb
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Paula and Herb Seay
Saturday June 18, 2005 at
2:50 PM
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Pat, our hearts go out to you all. We know how hard this is, with Herb and I losing our parents within a week, you feel so lost and not sure what to do. We are in Greenbrier Co., in the process of having an estate sale for Herb's parents and very sorry we will not be able to attend the services. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, take care. Paula, Herb, Charlie, Jayson and Jennifer.
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Sandy Pridemore
Saturday June 18, 2005 at
1:39 PM
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My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of loss. My husband Charlie and I worked the same shift with Paul at Cabell County EMS. I will never forget those fun times as Paul always kept us laughing for 24hrs. Just remember...even though they are no longer with us, we will always have their memories.
Take care,
Sandy
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Chris Tucker
Saturday June 18, 2005 at
12:14 PM
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I am very sorry, and send my condolences to the family of Paul. He was a great instructor, investigator, explosives technician, firefighter, and friend. I was always happy to find out that Paul would be teaching one of my classes, or speaking at an arson seminar, or coming to work a fire investigation with us. He will be greatly missed. God Bless.
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Kelly L. Hearn
Saturday June 18, 2005 at
12:13 PM
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Paul was a very special man. Everyone who met him was proud to call him a friend. He will be terribly missed. My deepest sympathies to his family.
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Sam Harmon
Saturday June 18, 2005 at
11:40 AM
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Dear Pat,
I was heart-broken when I got the news about Paul. You know that I counted him among my closest friends. I have often told the story about how I first met him (we spent Christmas Day of 1991 digging out an arson scene in downtown Welch). Since that time, his dedication to his chosen profession has been an inspiration for me. You and the family will be in my thoughts and prayers and I will miss him more than I can say. May God bless and keep you,
Sam
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John and Joyce McCafrrey
Saturday June 18, 2005 at
11:20 AM
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Patty, didn't know if you knew that we had moved to Florida but will not be able to attend. We were so sorry and surprised to read of Paul's passing. Our prayers and sympathy certainly goes out to you and all the family.
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Fran
Saturday June 18, 2005 at
10:20 AM
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Patty,
I am sorry i can't be there but you and the rest of the family will be in my thoughts and prayers. I am going to miss Paul so much. I have been thinking back on so many memorys of him in the last 32 years and i am so glad to have them and will keep them in my heart forever. I am glad he was my friend. Love, Fran
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Karen Bayer Walling
Saturday June 18, 2005 at
9:46 AM
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Dearest family:
I am deeply shocked and saddened by Paul's death. I met Paul about 10 years ago at an Arson Investigation class in Berkeley County. His knowledge and knack for teaching are beyond comparison.He was instrumental in my decision to start college 'late in life' and get a degree in Safety Technology for Fire Service.
I've attended many of Paul's classes including those he provided for the Berkeley Co. Fire Investigation Team,and over the years we became good friends. Michelle, you and your boys have been his pride and joy. He spoke of you with much love and adoration.
Paul was highly respected and valued in Berkeley County. He was always happy to make the long drive up here to share his knowledge and friendship with us.
Sincerely,
Karen [Bayer] Walling
Back Creek Valley VFD &
Berkeley Co. Fire Investigation Team
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Debbie Fluty Fitch
Saturday June 18, 2005 at
9:11 AM
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Dear Patty, I am so sorry for your lose. Joe and I will keep you and the family in our prayers. Please let us know if there is anything we can do. Love and prayers, Debbie
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Larry and Sandy Cartmill and Shane
Saturday June 18, 2005 at
8:59 AM
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Dear Pat, Sandy and I are shocked and deeply saddened by Paul's death. We are on an island working with sea turtles this week and will be unable to attend the service. You will be in our thoughts and hearts and we are very sorry. Please take care of yourself.
Larry, Sandy and Shane Cartmill
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PAUL CYRUS RITCHIE, JR., 61, of Crown City, Ohio, formerly of Barboursville, W.Va., died Thursday in Proctorville, Ohio. Funeral service 3 PM Sunday, Cabell Midland High School Gymnasium, Ona, W.Va.; burial Springhill Cemetery, Huntington. Mr. Michael Bowyer, Barboursville Volunteer Fire Department Chaplain, will bring the eulogy. Visitation 1-3 PM, Sunday before the service. He was the Assistant West Virginia State Fire Marshal and was a member of the International Association Bomb Technicians and Investigators, F.O.P. Lodge #122, taught at WVU Fire Service Extension and Regional Service Education Agency and was former Fire Chief of Barboursville. Mr. Ritchie was preceded in death by his parents, Paul Cyrus Ritchie Sr., and Marguerite Pack Ritchie. Survivors include his wife, Patricia Ann Ashworth Ritchie; daughter, Michelle Ann Haddox, Huntington; and grandchildren Theodore Prescott Haddox, IV, and Jacob Paul Ritchie Haddox. Members of the Barboursville Volunteer Fire Department will serve as pallbearers. Condolences may be sent to the family at WWW.TIMEFORMEMORY.COM/HENSON. Contributions may be made to the Marshall University Foundation in memory of Paul C. Ritchie Jr., or to National Fallen Fire Fighters, P.O. Drawer 498, Emmitsburg, Md., 21727
