Kid Rock - Romeo's most famous citizen - announced the passing of his father Bill Ritchie, Sr., on social media this month. According to the Detroit Free Press, his dad has suffered from prostate cancer for the last 14 years, and he was 82 years old. While many mourn the loss, we must celebrate him because he made his own impact on the national stage.
The January 11, 1984 issue of The Romeo Observer displays this picture of Bill Ritchie standing next to a Lincoln Continental Mark IV at the Crest Lincoln-Mercury dealership in Sterling Heights. It was taken by Karen Hamilton. That year was a good one for him since he was selected to be the Chairman of the Detroit Auto Show.
The article, "Chariman of the Auto Show, his dream continues," details Ritchie's career in the auto business as well as his work as the Chairman for said auto show. According to the story, Ritchie always wanted to work in the car industry since he was born and raised in Dearborn - the home of Henry Ford. His dream came true when he assumed ownership of the Crest Lincoln-Mercury dealership in Detroit. Then in 1974, the dealership moved to Sterling Heights, and Richtie moved to his family to Romeo. They lived at the estate on Henry Ross Drive in Bruce Township for over 20 years.
It was around that time that he became involved in the Detroit Auto Dealer's Association (DADA). In 1976, Ritchie became the president of that organization. Two years later, he assumed the position of Political Action Committee chairman, and he later served on the its building committee.
His service to DADA and to the auto business opened the doors for him to become the chairman for the 1984 Detroit Auto Show. Ritchie's job as chairman involved "planning the whole show, from the cars to the models displaying them."
Going back to the photo, that same Lincoln Continental Mark IV was to be displayed at that year's Detroit Auto Show along with other luxury cars.
We hope he had a great time as Chairman.
The Romeo Community Archives sends its condolences to the Ritchie family.
To learn more about Bill Ritchie, you can contact the Romeo Community Archives at rca@romemodistrictlibrary.org or call (586) 690-4890.
Source: The Romeo Observer, January 11, 1984, p.1-B and Detroit Free Press