“PAMPA”
1923-2013
Gordon Alexander Balfour-Ritchie, one of the world’s most beautiful and amazing souls, was received in heaven on the morning of Sunday, May 19, 2013, surrounded in the comfort of his loved ones.
There is no combination of words that can truly capture the spirit of such a wonderful man. He was an angel here on earth and now one in heaven. He was a true gentleman who always put the well being of others ahead of his own.
His faith and his family were his whole world. He cherished his role as husband, father, grandfather, brother, and in more recent years great-grandfather. Gordon lived his life to the fullest; never taking any moment for granted.
Gordon’s life Journey began in Glasgow, Scotland on August 8, 1923, when he was welcomed into this world by his parents Andrew and Mary Balfour-Ritchie. It was in Scotland where he developed many childhood memories with his younger sister Mary. At age 19, Gordon entered the British Highland Light Infantry during World War II, where he completed his service at war end with the rank of Captain. It was at this time Gordon met and married the love of his life, Doreen, and the two began their beautiful life together. In 1949, Gordon and Doreen moved to the United States and resided in both Santa Barbara and Ventura over the years. It was here they started their family, welcoming son, Stephen and daughter, Sandra into the world. He later became a Grandfather to Stevie, Alexander, Ashleigh, and Courtney and from then on he became known as “Pampa”. In addition to being a great family man, he was also a successful business man, owning and operating the long established Bell Mattress Factory with his wife until they retired in 2004.
He was a leader and role-model for his family and will always be remembered for his strength and gentleness, his giving heart, his wonderful stories, and his witty sense of humor. He has filled the lives of those that knew him with so much joy, love, and laughter. Gordon, “Our Pampa”, will be deeply missed, very much loved, and always remembered.
Gordon is survived by his wife Doreen Balfour-Ritchie, son, Stephen Balfour-Ritchie and his wife Silvia, daughter, Sandra Fuller and her husband William, grandsons Stevie and Alexander, granddaughters Ashleigh and Courtney, great-grandsons, Ven, Cesar, Sebastian, and Liam, sister Mary Jackson and her husband William, and numerous family members. Memorial Services for Gordon will be held Wednesday, May 29, 2013 at 3:00pm at El Montecito Presbyterian Church, 1455 E. Valley Road, Santa Barbara, CA 93108.
