OUR LIVES WITH MR. RITCHIE 1948-1951

Sixty-five years after departing the South Okanagan High School our grey cells are in serious need of re-tooling, but Mr. Ritchie is hard to forget. He was Principal of the school with whom we marched in 1949 from the current Elementary School to enter the majestic new building – still the “Taj Mahal”.

Mr. Ritchie seemed to lack a nervous switch; always sober, quiet, humourless and deliberate. Even during a “visit” with a student needing a compass adjustment, he was a quiet accuser (we heard) – leaving all but the most-practiced transgressor in tremors, assisted by his dark eyes and jutting chin. Good approach, since there was no shortage of off-course students.

Their cure was just out the window: the “Rock Pile” buried in the post-glacial lake bench revealed when digging the School’s foundation.  No chance of a lawn until several tons of rounded stones were removed. We were told that no such creative therapy is permitted now, though we suggested having the culprits move stones onto the parking lot, then removing them, to stimulate blood flow and fitness, plus permit their comrades a chance to jeer the spectacle. Our favourite sport “back in the day”.

Mr. Ritchie’s cool demeanour hid a concerned heart; as Brenda Carvell (Hall), who became a nurse), recalls:

“I went to his office for something. I mentioned that I felt hot. He took a look at my chest and said: “You have measles. Don’t go back to your class. I’ll find someone to take you home.”  She wondered if a Teacher would do that today.

Post-War staff included several Veterans – favoured in hiring for their service – leaving few beginners to monitor closely and giving Mr. Ritchie time for higher-level matters. Dress standards were much more formal then: ladies in dresses, men with jackets and tie, except Mr. McLeod, the PE teacher. No need for Mr. Ritchie involve himself there. Nor do I recall ever seeing him at a school team’s contest. Only so much energy for the occupant of the Principal’s office, so best spent on serious matters.

A later High School staff member from our Class owed his career to Mr. Ritchie. Randy Koenig

“found him very supportive when I went to him for help.”

Mr. Richie reinstated Randy to the Academic line in Grade 10, then assisted with his bid to enter the Teacher’s College, resulting in Randy teaching in Oliver for 14 years, beginning in the Elementary School. Other postings added 19 more years, to be followed by 10 ½ years as a retiree on the On-Call list.

Most teachers were involved in post-school activities, such as sports, music and drama, involving them in field trips and weekends away. No pay for the extra time, only in our attempts at fulfillment.

Perhaps his reserve and sobriety were just the ticket: no scandals, student revolts, or marches on School Board offices (What! You mean we could-a?).

A succinct appraisal from Mike Radi, later Mayor of Osoyoos:

“A fine, true gentleman who exuded authority, but with fairness.

He appeared humourless, but this may have been a cover.”

SOHS Class of 1951.