Labrie Hamilton Ritchie

LABRIE HAMILTON RITCHIE 93, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 10, 2014 at his home in Garden Valley. He was born In Garden Valley on September 11, 1920 to Hugh and Cloe Richie, the older of two children, and continued his family's farming legacy in the Roseburg area. A legacy that has spanned over 150 years and continues through his son and grandsons. LaBrie's great grandfather, Ferdinand LaBrie, was French Canadian born in Montreal, Canada. He packed mining supplies and equipment from a port on the Umpqua River to Southern Oregon and Northern California and settled as a farmer in Garden Valley. LaBrie's great grandmother, Anna Elisa came to Oregon in a covered wagon in 1843 over the Oregon Trail. The family farm was designated a Century Farm by the State of Oregon in 1970. LaBrie Ranch and Seed has been responsible for growing grain, vegetable and seed crops. His seed cleaning mill is still in operation in a barn registered by the Oregon State Historical Society. LaBrie graduated from Roseburg High School in 1939. He attended Oregon State University and graduated with a degree in Agriculture in 1947. His college education was interrupted by WW II when he proudly served as an officer in the United States Marine Corps. Preceded in death by his parents, LaBrie is survived by his wife of 48 years, Ruth Ritchie of Roseburg: sister Jean Cross of Suffolk, Virginia; sons Bob Ritchie of Granada Hills, California and Mike Ritchie (Tammy) of Umpqua; daughter Ruth Ricards (Joe) of Fillmore, California; step-sons Rod Harvey (Doris) of Philomath, Rob Harvey (Sue) of Eugene and Rick Harvey of Roseburg and blessed with 13 grandchildren and one great grandchild. Private graveside services were held within the grounds of Roseburg Memorial Gardens. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Doernbecher Children's Hospital, 1381 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd; Portland, Oregon 97239-3098, or the charity of your choice.