by DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, May 3: Sarawak has lost one of its most respected storytellers, James Ritchie, a veteran journalist, author, and friend to many, whose passing this morning left a void not just in the media fraternity but in the hearts of those who knew him personally.
Among those mourning his loss is Sarawak Governor (TYT) Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar who, together with Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, expressed sorrow over the passing of their long-time friend.
“Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi and I wish to convey our heartfelt condolences and sympathy to the family of James Ritchie, a dear friend and a veteran writer and journalist who passed away this morning.
“We are really saddened by this untimely demise. He was a wonderful person, and I will always remember and cherish the memory of (him) as the son of my Commissioner, a friend and co-writer in our books.
“He was always very generous with words of praise on me. I have known him since his school days at St Thomas’ secondary school, Kuching,” Wan Junaidi said in his condolence message for the late James Ritchie.
He recalled serving as the Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to James Ritchie’s father, Dato Sri John Ritchie, who was Sarawak’s Police Commissioner in 1968.
“I was not treated like an officer of the Force serving the Commissioner but as member of the family. We continued to be friends until today.”
More poignantly, the Head of State revealed that he and Ritchie had been scheduled to meet just days from now, on Monday, May 5, to review progress on a book the late Ritchie was writing about him.
“But God had other plans for him. Our hearts go out to his family during this difficult time,” he said.
“May his family be surrounded by love and support as they go through this difficult time and may the cherished memories of your loved one bring them solace and strength,” he added. – DayakDaily
