DOWNEY - William V. Ritchie, of Huntington Beach, passed away on Jan. 21 surrounded by family and friends after a battle with liver cancer. He was 73.He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Joy; daughter Sharon Westall; son-in-law Ken Westall; grandchildren Kathryn and John Westall; sisters Pauline Hume and LaVonne (Jack) Clark; three nephews; and eight nieces. He was predeceased by his parents, John and Gladys Ritchie, and son John. Born on Nov. 14, 1935 in Belen, New Mexico, Ritchie moved with his family to California at an early age. He served in the U.S. Army from 1953-1957 and was in Korea from 1954-1956. He married his wife, Joy, in 1956. They moved to Downey where they raised their daughter, Sharon, and son, John. In 1957, Ritchie joined his father in their family-owned business, the All American Nut Co. Inc., originally located in Downey before moving to Cerritos in 1969. Ritchie became president of the company when his father retired in 1962. Ritchie was active in the community for many years. He was president of the Downey Chamber of Commerce and Downey Rotary, master of the Downey Masonic Lodge #220, and was a fundraising leader for the Downey YMCA, Downey Community Hospital, Boy Scouts of America, and the City of Hope. He was also involved in professional organizations, serving as president of the National Peanut Council and the Peanut Butter and Nut Processors organizations of Washington, D.C. He was an active member of the Moravian Church of Downey and served on its board of trustees for many years. He was also the church treasurer for three years. Ritchie retired from All American Nut Company in 1986 to pursue golf and fishing. After moving to Huntington Beach in 1985, he joined SeaCliff Country Club, where he made many new friends. A celebration of life will be held at SeaCliff Country Club, 6501 Palm Ave., in Huntington Beach, tomorrow from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Rev. Hopeton Clennon, formerly of the Moravian Church of Downey, and Pastor Chris Grange of St. Peters by the Sea Presbyterian Church in Huntington Beach, will officiate. A buffet lunch will be served. At approximately 2 p.m. buses will transport family and friends to Newport Beach to board the Royal Princess, to take Ritchie to his final resting place at sea. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center of New York. ********** Published: January 30, 2009 - Volume 7 - Issue 41