George Ridgway

Father George (Ted) Edward Ridgway passed away in the early morning hours of August 17, 2018 in Chico, CA at the age of 88. His health declining over his last months, he was visited by his children, brother, nieces and nephew, friends and deacons from church. Ted was born July 1, 1930 in Detroit, Michigan to George Wyndham Ridgway and Virginia Marshall Ridgway. His father, also an Episcopal priest, moved the family several times before settling in Richmond California. Ted left his studies at UC Berkeley to join the US Army where he served in battle zones as a radar technician during the Korean War. Following this, he returned to Richmond and in April, 1955 he married Shirley Dale Newcomb. While she worked full time, he completed his studies and Cal and then studied at the California Divinity School of the Pacific and was ordained as an Episcopal priest in 1959. Together, they raised three children, Scott, Valerie and Carol. Over the years Ted served churches in Monterey, Danville, San Luis Obispo, Windsor, Mt. Shasta and Redding. We fondly recall time he carved out for family, especially month-long summer vacations to see parts of the US always including two weeks or more at Lake Tahoe. He loved to hike and backpack, ride his bicycle and to kayak, especially around Whiskeytown Lake. Through his service to the church, he touched many lives through communion, baptism, confirmation, weddings, and memorial services. His greatest passion may have been through church youth groups where he led many backpacking and camping trips. Ted is survived by his brother Bob; children Scott (Linda Voracek), Valerie Coletti (Rick) and Carol Ridgway; granddaughters Sarah Noren (Michael), Kelly Lee; grandson Grey Bremer; and great grandsons Benjamin and Emmett Noren. He was preceded in death by his wife Shirley and his sister, Anne Snodgrass. A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, September 15, 2018 at 2:00p.m. at All Saints Episcopal Church, 2150 Benton Drive, Redding CA 96003. A reception will follow the service. Donations may be made on behalf of George Ridgway to the Enloe Foundation, 249 W. Sixth Avenue, Chico CA 94928