Emerald Announces Founder’s Passing

June 4, 2008  by in UnCategorized   

By Home Furnishings Business in Merchandising on June 2008 Emerald Home Furnishings, Tacoma, Wash., announced recently that George Ritchie, who played a key role in founding the company, died recently.

A former sales rep, Ritchie bought B & D Sales, the company that later was renamed Emerald, in 1974 and led the company through a period of growth through 1983 when it was sold to his son, Evan Ritchie. In 2002, the company was purchased by its current management team, which is led by President David Beckmann.

According to the company’s announcement, Ritchie died on April 12 at home, and a celebration of his life was held on April 26 in Gig Harber, Wash. The family has requested that memorial donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Ritchie was born and raised in Edinburgh, Scotland, and had a passion for rugby, soccer and other sports. He is survived by sons Evan Ritchie and Jon Ritchie, six stepchildren and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.