I was saddened to learn of the recent passing of teaching colleague Dinie Ritchie. I had the opportunity of working alongside Dinie and Mary Ellen Thorne for a number of years in the primary open area at Dufferin School.

A good soul, Dinie was deeply committed to her young students, and well liked and respected by all of us at our small, neighbourhood school. I admired her organizational skills, her attention to detail and the calm, friendly and purposeful learning environment she had created.

Although I had not been in contact with Dinie for some years, she has always been part of my fond reflections of teaching at Dufferin.

One memory of Dinie in particular, stands out.

A decision was made to create a school spirit song. Dinie happily volunteered to take on this task. She wrote the song’s lyrics and set it to an old, familiar pop tune. Green and Gold (Dufferin School colours) was sung at many of our assemblies, with Dinie leading the vocals and Ruth Tupper providing accompaniment on the piano. Sadly, Dufferin school has been closed, but I am certain Dinie’s song continues to live on in the memories of many former students, staff and parents.

And thanks to Dinie,.. Green and Gold has just been added to the repertoire of the angel band.

Respectfully,

Mark Cruikshank
Guelph