In Loving Memory of John William Rittinger
January 11, 1930 – June 14, 2025
The family of John Rittinger is saddened to announce his peaceful passing on June 14, 2025, at The Meadows in Swift Current, Saskatchewan.
John was born on January 11, 1930, in Eastend, Saskatchewan, the eldest of four children born to Jim and Margaret Rittinger.
He is predeceased by his parents; his wife of 33 years, Esther; his wife of 18 years, Marguerite; his partner of 11 years, Chrissy; his sister, Rosemary Moen; his grandson, Curtis Ray; and his sister-in-law, Carolyne Rittinger.
John is lovingly remembered by his partner, Jean Andrejcin; his brother Robbie; his sister Frances (Fred) Kempf; his son Doug (Darlene) and their children, Jay and Jenna Rittinger; his daughter Eileen Ray and her children, Johnathan (Mandy) Ray, Colleen Ray, and Kaitlin Ray; and by his many great-grandchildren—Brinley Rittinger, Connor and Carter Ray, Hunter, Xander (Jada), Sylver, and Pyper Ray, Nixon, Henley, and Rayn Calliou, Tucker McLean, and Kessy Ray. He was also blessed with a great-great-granddaughter, Eberly Ray. John leaves behind 12 nieces and nephews, and his long-time and dearest friend -always considered family—Ron Corrins.
John lived a full, dynamic, and accomplished life. John began his career at 16 working alongside his father Jim, at Rittinger Construction Ltd. Always up for a challenge, John then became a proud graduate of the University of Saskatchewan, as he earned his Civil Engineering degree (with distinction) in 1962. For over five decades, he worked as a Consulting Engineer and was involved in the design or construction of numerous buildings and bridges in Swift Current and the surrounding area. One of his proudest professional achievements was overseeing the construction of the Swift Current Centennial Civic Centre in 1967, built by Rittinger Construction Ltd.
A man of many talents, John also held a commercial pilot’s licence with a Class 1 instrument rating and logged over 1,200 flight hours. He was an avid ham radio operator, known by his call sign VE5XJ, and had a lifelong passion for emerging technologies. A talented dancer, John and his wife Esther won competitions for their lively Jitterbug performances. He enjoyed bowling, playing backgammon and learned to crotchet.
John loved sports—especially hockey. He founded the Tournament of Champions International Midget Hockey Tournament in 1968 and was instrumental in bringing the WHL Swift Current Broncos back home from Lethbridge in 1986. He served as President of the Swift Current Broncos Hockey Club and as the WHL League Governor for the team. He was honored to be inducted into the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame alongside the 1989 Memorial Cup Champion Broncos team. He and Marg billeted several Broncos players over the years, forming lasting connections. He was also a passionate golfer and served as President of the Elmwood Golf and Country Club.
A devoted animal lover, John always had a loyal dog by his side, whether out walking or playing ball in the yard.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at The Meadows for the compassionate care and kindness Dad received.
A memorial celebration of John’s life will be held on Monday August 11th, 2025 at 1:30 p.m., at the Innovation Plex Auditorium in Swift Current.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John’s memory to the CNIB (2160 Broad St., Regina, SK, S4P 1Y5) or to a charity of your choice.
Arrangements entrusted to: Warren’s Funeral Home. For further information please call (306) 773-8831 or 1-800-267-6606 or visit our website at www.warrensfuneralhome.com and express your sympathy to family members on the tribute wall.