Leonor and I were deeply saddened to learn of Ritchie Thomas' death. I recall him on a lighter note: together with the late Carl Becker of the History Department, he was one of the early members of the Wright State University Sherlock Holmes Literary Society, "The Darlington Substitutes." (Ritchie had proposed "The Indicative Eggspoons," a name that I supported, but we were voted down.) The Dayton region now has its own Sherlock Holmes club, "The Agra Treasurers," open to the general public. (The Darlington Substitutes was open only to members of the WSU community.) Ritchie's role in Holmesian activities at WSU is commemorated on the Agra Treasurers' Web site: AgraTreasurers.net. Click on the "About Us" tab. Also, a brief notice of his death will appear on the "Stand With Me" tab later this week.

In addition, I recall Ritchie as a fellow enthusiast for old comics. Passers-by gave us strange looks as we gave the cheer: "1506, NIX NIX!" taken from the old "Smokey Stover" strip by Bill Holman; and one of our favorite songs was that 1920s hit: "Take Back Your Heart -- I Ordered Liver!" from George McManus's "Bringing Up Father."

Leonor, my wife, fondly recalls Grace preparing taboullé, a traditional Arab salad, when we were invited over one evening for dinner. She'd learned how to make it during their days in Beirut.

Our condolences to the entire Thomas family. We shall always cherish our memories of their patriarch.

Ritchie was University Librarian at Wright State when I began working there in 1982. He was very interesting to talk to and also very approachable - not a top down administrator at all. He was very encouraging to young staff members. I liked working under his leadership and I greatly missed him when he left. Condolences to his family.

The Wright State University Retirees Association extends our condolences to the family of Ritchie D. Thomas.  We also wish to acknowledge his years of service to our University.

Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.

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Mr. Ritchie Dawson Thomas

January 26, 1931 – May 24, 2016

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