Wasco Memorial Park-B-5-Q

Obituary

Norman "Curt" Ritchey, 80, passed away peacefully after a brief illness on April 26, 2017, in Bakersfield, CA. Born in Bakersfield, CA on September 2, 1936, to Neuman (Bob) and Imogene (Genie) Ritchey. Curt grew up on the family farm just south of McFarland, learning early on the value of hard work. He attended Kern Avenue Elementary and McFarland High School graduating in 1954. From 1954 through 1957, he served his country by joining the Army and had many great experiences while stationed in Germany. In 1958, while attending Bakersfield College he met Deanna Gleed who would become his wife.
Curt loved flying and began crop dusting for Hodges Crop Dusters based in Delano in 1959. By 1965, with 2 sons and another on the way, he made the decision to change careers and joined Warren Carter to open Carter and Ritchey Insurance in McFarland where he lived. By the late 1960's, Curt would buy out Warren, who decided to pursue farming over insurance, and Curt would move the agency to Delano. Recognizing new opportunities, Curt founded Personal Express Insurance with partners Bob Williams and John Pryor in 1984. By 1990, he would sell his Delano agency (KIA Associates) to eldest son Bill and focus entirely on building Personal Express Insurance. After a successful career, Curt and Deanna enjoyed retirement living in an RV "full time" and traveling around North America. Curt always loved the desert and they eventually sold the RV and split time living in Palm Desert each winter and Dillon Montana all summer. In his retirement, he especially loved Montana and enjoyed fishing and golf. Anything Curt became interested in, he would pursue it with great passion and one of his favorite sayings was "If you are going to be a bear, be a Grizzly". He was always quick with a joke or story and was loved for his sense of humor. He always made time for family and loved going on outdoor adventures including motorcycle riding, flying, scuba diving, dove hunting, and fishing. If things got dull, he could always be counted on to liven things up usually with a quick hand of "chase the ace". Curt had many lifelong friends in Kern County, Palm Desert, and Dillon Montana. He had a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and thanked the Lord every day for his many blessings.
Curt is survived by his wife of 58 years Deanna Ritchey, son William "Bill" Ritchey (Sonia), son Don Ritchey, son David Ritchey, grandchildren Cortney, Noelle, Julia, Alex, Celena and cherished in-laws, nieces and nephews. Curt was preceded in death by his parents Neuman (Bob) and Imogene (Genie) and siblings Neuman (Bob) Ritchey and Leona Dennis.
The family would like to thank the staff at Hoffman Hospice Home, Bakersfield Heart Hospital, Dr. William Baker and staff especially Janice Knowlton, and his "extended family" at the Pointe at Summit Hills.
Graveside service to be held at Wasco Memorial Park, 300 Leonard Ave, Wasco CA on Thursday, May 4, 2017, at 10 am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Salvation Army and Hoffman Hospice.

Published in Bakersfield Californian from May 2 to May 4, 2017