Donald Ritthaler

Don Ritthaler was born July 2, 1937 in Manor, SK to Jacob and Bertha Ritthaler. He was the fourth of five children. Don joined the military in 1956 and spent the next 35 years as a proud member of the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI). He served in Edmonton, Germany, Calgary, Cyprus, Gagetown, Wainwright, and Yellowknife. 

His experiences in the PPCLI were wide-ranging and included more than 100 jumps as a paratrooper, a 19-1 record as a boxer (all by knock-out), a mountain climbing course, several shooting medals, Adventure Training through 1,000 miles of Canadian wilderness, and acting as a UN Peacekeeper in Cyprus in 1971. He was one of 100 PPCL1 soldiers chosen to meet Queen Elizabeth on Canada’s Centennial. One of his favourite postings was with the Northern Rangers where he traveled by floatplane to the northernmost Inuit villages in Canada. He met many lifelong friends through his service and had many adventures, several of which cannot be put into writing. 

He met his wife Bette Drager at a hockey game, promptly stealing her from her date. They married in 1961 and had two daughters, Beverley and Patricia. His daughters were his pride and joy. He taught them to ride, hunt and fish, and often said, “My daughters can do anything a boy can do, only better.” His granddaughter Sydney was the light of his life and he taught her all about farming and the outdoors. His greatest joy was to hear her and her mom sing. His remarkable marksmanship made him a popular hunting buddy and he enjoyed many trips with his son-in-law Roy. 

After retiring from the PPCLI in the mid 1980s, Don and Bette moved to Hardisty, Alberta. He became the President of the Hardisty Rodeo Association and with the help of friends and family, rebuilt the rodeo grounds. He raised cattle and buffalo while also running Sydney Oilfield, a land reclamation company. 

His love for wandering continued and he left Hardisty to live in Boyle, AB, Big River, SK and Gold River, BC. He enjoyed visiting his daughter Trish, her husband Jeff and his two step-granddaughters Kendal and Adison in Texas. His wit and friendliness earned him many more friends south of the border. 

Don was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease while living in Gold River. He moved to an assisted living home in Calgary in 2022 and passed away on January 10, 2024. 

He is survived by his wife, Bette, his daughters Bev (Roy) and Trish (Jeff), his granddaughters Sydney, Kendal and Adison, his sisters Rose and Jackie as well as numerous nieces and nephews. 

Don will always be remembered for his storytelling and great sense of humour, and he will be missed by those who knew him. A private family service will be held in his honour. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Society of Canada or the Gathering Place in Texas.