Gene R. Ritchie, 79, of Buchanan, passed away on Saturday, February 20, 2016 at his home. Gene was born on July 18, 1936 to the late Nicholas and Esther Ritchie in New Castle, Pennsylvania. In 1963 he married Nancy Keene who survives in Buchanan. Gene was the founder of RedBud Motocross, which has been hosting races since 1973. His passion for the sport and vision for his track was legendary in the motocross industry. Cremation has taken place. A celebration of Gene’s life will be held by the family at the shop at RedBud from 2pm-8pm on Thursday, February 25, 2016. A visitation will be held Friday, February 26, 2016 from 11am-2pm with a service following at Hope Community Church, 2390 Lake Street, Niles, MI. In lieu of flowers, the family would be honored by donations in Gene’s memory to Road2Recovery Foundation, 1042 N. El Camino Real, Encinitas, CA, 92024 or Life Action Ministries, PO Box 31, Buchanan, MI 49107, or Redbud Area Ministries, 708 Red Bud Trail N. , Buchanan, MI 49107. Arrangements have been entrusted to Hoven Funeral Home, Buchanan. Online condolences may be made at www.hovenfunerals.com
