Valley County, IDGenWeb Project | |
Timothy James Ritter, 55 of Boise, joined his Heavenly Father on Jan. 16, 2011 after a courageous four-month battle with Lou Gehrig’s Disease (ALS).
Tim’s body will be donated to MedCure in Portland, Ore., for organ donation and ALS research.
A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. Expect some storytelling, some laughter, and a beer or two, with of course plenty of Bronco Blue.
Tim was the “Ultimate BSU Bronco Fan.” His Bronco Room in his home was filled with BSU Bronco memorabilia and of course, a big-screen TV, dedicated to watching any and all Bronco sports programs. There is nothing Tim didn’t know about BSU football dating back to the days of Coach Tony Knapp.
Tim also enjoyed playing golf with his many close friends and cherished spending time with his family.
Tim’s life started in Emmett, Idaho on July 13, 1955, the fifth son of Pete and Kate Ritter. He spent his young life in Council, graduating from Council High School in 1973.
He moved to California in 1985, and with a good friend, Nick Testa, started a knife sharpening business. He eventually returned to Idaho where he lived the rest of his life.
Tim married Eleanor on Nov. 6, 1993. Their family now included Courtney and Jacob. The family grew to include granddaughter, Katie.
Tim (Papa) and Eleanor (Bammie) shared many special times with her. They enjoyed summer vacations in McCall, trips to Disneyworld, and of course, Bronco football games.
Tim studied at BSU and worked in the Idaho trucking industry until he retired in October 2010 after being diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s disease.
Tim served on the board for the Paccar Parts Council for three years from 1994 to 1996. In the trucking industry, wherever Tim went he always held positions of greater responsibility, mainly in a management position.
One of his most endearing qualities was that he always led by example. He was the first to work and last to leave. His work ethic motivated those around him and his integrity was beyond approach.
Tim had a great sense of humor, and with his love for entertaining, he completed the Dale Carnegie course in public speaking and always looked forward to being the master of ceremonies at any party.
A benefit was recently held for Tim at the Meridian Lanes in December, where he was able to reunite with all of his trucking industry friends. At the benefit, Tim received an autographed Boise State football signed by the coaches and team, which quickly became his most prized possession. Thanks to Phil Crozier, Mike Siebke and Drew Bohling for all their hard work.
Thank you to Paul Weller, Terry Stranz, Mike Prior and the entire group of Weller Truck Parts employees in Boise and Grand Rapids, Mich. Your compassion, support and understanding was a great comfort to Tim and Eleanor through this difficult time. God bless your fine company!
Preceded in death are his parents, M.S. (Pete) and Katherine (Kate) Ritter; and his younger brother, Scott.
Tim is survived by his wife, Eleanor; sister, Vianne; brothers, Rick (Terri), Roger (Julie), John, and Steve (Marlene); granddaughter, Katie; daughter, Courtney; son, Jake; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
A special thank you to Joyce and Rob, Gary and Sheila Bores, and Linda Rogers-Bailey for all their help during these trying times.
A special thanks to St. Alphonsus Four Rivers Hospice for their compassionate care and understanding of Tim’s needs, and for including his family under their umbrella of love. Amy, you are precious!
In memory of Tim, a college scholarship fund for granddaughter Katie has been established and donations may be made at any branch of Mountain West Bank or mailed to Mountain West Bank, 7107 W. State St., Boise, ID 83714. Please make checks payable to Kaitlyn Grace Milberger.
.....”From out of nowhere Felina has found me,
Kissing my cheek as she kneels by my side.
Cradled by two loving arms that I’ll die for,
One little kiss and Felina goodbye.”
Copyright Notice:
All materials contained on these pages are furnished for the free use of those engaged in researching their family origins. Any commercial use or distribution, without the consent of the host/author of these pages is prohibited.