Don Clyde Ritchie

Don Clyde Ritchie (86) passed away July 22, 2024, in his home in Heber City Utah, after a courageous battle with cancer.

He was born October 28, 1937, in Charleston Utah to Clyde Ritchie and Hannah (Anne) Whiting Ritchie. He was raised on the family farm in Heber Valley with his brothers Roy and John, and his sister Diane.
He graduated from Wasatch High School in 1955 where he was a multi-sport athlete. Don was interested in flying and learned to fly in his teens. After high school, he attended Southern Utah University (SUU) and Utah State University (USU), graduating from USU with a bachelor’s degree in agriculture science. He then joined the Air Force to continue his dream of becoming an airline pilot.

He married Wendy Elizabeth Peterson of Monroe Utah on December 27, 1957. Together they had four children Linda, David, Becky and Pamela. The young family was stationed at Mission and Big Springs Texas during his Air Force pilot training from 1960 -1961. They were then stationed in Spokane Washington where he flew as a KC-135 pilot until June1965.

From Washington the family moved to Minneapolis where Don flew as Captain for 30 years with Northwest/Delta Airlines. Flying first the 727 and 707, then later the 747 and DC-10 airplanes. In Minneapolis, as well as flying as a pilot, Don had a farm where he raised his children as well as registered Herefords originating from his father’s farm in Heber.

With his son David, Don enjoyed working with cars. He took pride in having owned a 1969 Ford Mach1 with a 428 Cobra Jet, and a 1969 Mustang Boss 429. He served in numerous LDS Church positions, including Bishop, always answering the call to help when needed.

In 1987 Don and Liz moved to Heber City Utah where he retired a few years later. He was a founding member of the Wasatch Community Foundation and Wasatch Alumni Association, also serving on the Wasatch County Board of Adjustments.

Don had fond memories of playing as a child with his brother Roy in Charleston. He would also talk of working with his Father on the family farm in Heber as a young boy. Don always kept busy, working on the farm and flying as a pilot. In retirement he continued the habit, always having “Projects” to work on, doing his own snow removal and mowing his large lawn well into his eighties. In his last few months, Don was still trying to work “Projects” including visiting Liz every day at her care center for 20 months until his body would not allow it.

Don was a wise and generous man with his time and resources. He garnered respect as an airline Captain and did so in his personal life as well with all who knew him. He is survived by his wife Elizabeth, his sister Diane Hunsaker (Teryl), daughters Becky Mossman (Duke), Pam Stone (Steve), eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. A family graveside service was held on August 6th at the Heber City Cemetery.