----
TRAVERSE CITY —
Former Traverse City Mayor Al Ritchie died.
Ritchie served on the city commission from 1987-91, and was mayor in 1990. Back then, the mayor served a one-year term and was chosen from among commissioners, not separately elected by the public.
He died early today at age 86.
Ritchie, a longtime Traverse City resident, was a combat-wounded World War II veteran who later worked as an executive in the oil industry, said Jim Tompkins.
"Al was a pretty conscientious guy," said Tompkins, who served as mayor in 1991, 1995, and 1999. "Very well-rounded."
Funeral arrangements are pending with Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home in Traverse City.
