Farms.com Home   Farm Equipment News

Donald “Chief” R. Ritchie, Founder of Ritchie Implement, Passed Away

 

Donald "Chief" R. Ritchie, the founder of Ritchie Implement, passed away Oct. 27, 2025 at age 91. Ritchie Implement, the 2015 Dealership of the Year Recipient posted this on their facebook account:

Ritchie was born on April 10, 1934, in Cobb, WI, the son of James “Pete” and Lucille (Ward) Ritchie.

Don graduated from Cobb High School in 1952. He was united in marriage to Bonnie Leix in 1954. Together they raised three children until choosing to go their separate ways in 1995. In 1961 Don and Bonnie started Ritchie Motors. They received many honors for their accomplishments, even being acknowledged as a top 100 Allis- Chalmers dealership in the United States. They expanded the business in 1988 by purchasing the local Case IH Dealership in Highland, WI. They were true entrepreneurs.

Click here to see more...

Trending Video

Early Fall Colors | Scenic Ontario Road Trip!

Video: Early Fall Colors | Scenic Ontario Road Trip!

All adventures must come to an end, but not without one more journey! Join The Wandering Shepherds as we say farewell to our cozy Calabogie cottage and take the scenic road trip home to Ewetopia Farms. Our first stop was a breathtaking hydroelectric generating station, framed by cliffs, rushing water, and brilliant fall leaves that seemed to have changed overnight. From there, we meandered along winding backroads through lakes and hills, soaking in the spectacular autumn scenery. This year, the colors seemed to arrive earlier than usual—perhaps due to the summer’s drought? Whatever the reason, it was an unforgettable display of Ontario’s fall beauty. Finally, our holiday drew to a close as we pulled back into Ewetopia Farms, ready to return to the sheep and our daily vlogs. But this trip reminded us how important it is to pause, explore, and appreciate the simple beauty around us.