Eugene Ritchie

Eugene Edwin Ritchie "Sno-traveler"

Eugene E. Ritchie passed away peacefully on April 29, 2025, with his daughter at his side. Born on November 14, 1934, in Winterport, Maine, Eugene was the eldest son of George M. Ritchie and Athene (Littlefield) Ritchie. From a young age, he exemplified a quiet strength, tireless work ethic, and heart devoted to helping others.

After graduating from Winterport High School, Eugene served two proud years in the U.S. Army. Upon returning home, he joined his father at Ritchie's Plumbing and Heating. Eugene was a master plumber, master electrician, and foreman in construction industry for many years, ultimately retiring from Hughes Brothers of Hampden in 1996.

Following his retirement, Eugene embraced a new chapter of life at the family camp on Moosehead Lake, a place that brought him great joy. There, he spent 25 meaningful years with his second wife Marie (Harty) Ritchie. Together, they shared many cherished moments working on snowmobile trails and helping others.

Eugene's passion was snowmobiling. Beginning in the 1970s, he served on the Maine Snowmobile Association (MSA) Board of Directors, was an officer of the Winterport Riverside Riders Snowmobile Club and wrapped up his years of service in the 2000s as Trail Master for the Blue Ridge Riders Snowmobile Club (BRRSC) of Rockwood. Eugene made significant contributions to the snowmobiling community. He built trails, bridges, and strong relationships, fostering connections with landowners for continued or new use of trails. When you are snowmobiling in the Rockwood region - swing by the Eugene Ritchie Bridge over the Upper Moose River. Eugene described this bridge as his greatest accomplishment and the bridge was dedicated to him in 2025 by the BRRSC.

In 1985 Eugene and his first wife, Marilyn, and a few other brave souls, snowmobiled from Rockwood, Maine to Eagle River, Wisconsin - quite an accomplishment in the 80s without the organized trail systems of today. His was selected as Groomer of the Year in 2004 by the MSA and was inducted into the MSA Hall of Fame in 2021.

Eugene was predeceased by his first wife, Marilyn (Hunton) Ritchie. They were married in 1961 and raised three daughters, two of whom predeceased him-Debra (Ritchie) Dodge and Linda (Ritchie) Pierce. He was also predeceased by his second wife, Marie (Harty) Ritchie, her son Steven Harty, and granddaughters Jackie L. Dodge-Burnett and Devon Gabrill.

Eugene is survived by his brother, Keith Ritchie, and wife, Dawn of Searsport, Maine; Daughter Carla Ritchie of Winterport and partner, Mike Perry of Etna, Maine; Stepchildren Jim Harty, Debbie Gillespie, and Denise Poirier. He leaves behind his grandchildren: Jodi Dodge of Jackson, Maine, John Dodge, and wife, Jen, of Dixmont, Maine; Joseph Harty, and wife Denise of Waldorf, Maryland; Emily Bridges of Crawfordville, Florida; Emma Balina, and husband, Roque, of Ojai, California, and Nathan Brejwo, and wife Meg, of Ulsan, South Korea, and his great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Known for his warmth, generosity, and gentle nature, Eugene was often described as "one of the nicest people you could ever know." His kindness left a lasting impression on all who met him, and his legacy of hard work, compassion, and community spirit will be cherished by generations to come.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the caring staff at The Woodlands Senior Living Memory Care in Brewer, Maine for the support and kindness they showed Eugene during his final years.

A Celebration of Life will be held at The Birches Resort in Rockwood, Maine on Saturday July 26th 2-4 pm with a burial on Monday July 28th 10:00 am at Oak Hill Cemetery in Winterport, Maine, with a reception following at the Ritchie's residence.

Please consider a donation in his memory to your local snowmobile club or the Moosehead Regional Land Trust.