The Greater Victoria police community is mourning the loss of one of its own, who passed away this week following a year-long battle with pancreatic cancer.
Const. Ritchie Li, a police officer in Central Saanich, died peacefully at his home this past Monday, June 27th, surrounded by family and friends, according to Central Saanich Police (CSPS).
“He leaves behind his loving wife, his son, and other dear family members and close friends in the policing community,” the detachment said in a Thursday Facebook post.
Ritchie received the news that he had inoperable cancer back in April 2021, CSPS wrote in its post, noting that following the diagnosis, a series of procedures to prolong his life ensued.
It was “a battle that showed just how strong-willed he was and one that gave him extra time to spend with his son, born in January 2022,” CSPS said.
Earlier this year, a GoFundMe was launched to help Ritchie and his wife, Laura, as the couple was off work caring for their newborn and busy with cancer treatments.
As of Thursday afternoon, over $70,000 of the fundraiser’s $50,000 goal was raised from more than 500 donors.
“Ritchie was one of the most decent human beings most of us have had the pleasure of knowing. His intelligence, positivity and strong character easily made him friends and earned respect from all who knew him,” CSPS added.
“We have lost a truly remarkable person.”
