Obituary Notice: Capt. Charlie Ritchie

Capt. Charlie Ritchie, 67, died August 19 at the Ray and Kay Eckstein Hospice Center in Paducah, Ky. One member of a family of legendary rivermen, he learned under his father, Capt. John Ritchie, who owned and operated a number of boats and served as master on the steamer Delta Queen for years. Charlie Ritchie also served as pilot and master on the Delta Queen and Mississippi Queen. He was also a well-regarded heavy-tow pilot, and worked for a number of companies during his career. He served as port captain for Excell Marine Corporation and Tennessee Valley Towing. Two brothers, Larry and Paul, are also river captains.