Born in Wellington in 1921,[1] Ritchie attended the University of Otago, graduating with a Diploma of Music in 1943 and a MusB the following year.
[3] During World War II he held the rank of sub-lieutenant in the Royal New Zealand Naval Volunteer Reserve and served with the Fleet Air Arm as a pilot.
[1] He also served as dean of the Faculty of Music and Fine Arts,[6] and was deputy vice-chancellor of the university between 1977 and 1980.
[6] As a composer his output included works for choir, instrumental ensemble, brass band and orchestra.
[6] He was the director of music for the 1974 British Commonwealth Games in Christchurch and the 1986 visit of Pope John Paul II to New Zealand.