Breed Notes
29th January

Sadly I have to report that Billy Ritchie, Aberquarrie, lost his long fight for life last week, leaving his wife Gillian and family of Amy and Craig, to whom we all extend our deepest sympathy

Known for his repertoire of great one-liners and wonderful humorous sayings, he also made many great long time friendships with so many in the breed and will be sadly missed.

Billy started judging in the UK in 2006 with a first appointment at Scottish Breeds where his winners were Coral Sand at Samhaven and Lynmead Love of My Life, both of whom won their 1st CC and then went on to gain their titles.
He judged bitches at London Collie in 2010 and his last appointment was at the British in 2017 where he judged the males.

He started in the breed with some lovely golden sables, amongst whom were:
the Ch bitch, Brilyn Almost a Princess at Aberquarrie, sired by Tashadon George Washington out of Lanteague Black Magic at Brilyn. He also had Brilyn Almost a Lady at Aberquarrie, many of whom thought was a sister but she was sired by Ch Brilyn Supertramp out of Clydale Country Belle at Brilyn and she did winning in her own right.

When mated to Silvermoor’s Teddy Bear (Ch Lanteague Harvest Moon at Silvermoor’s ex Silvermoor’s Marshmallow) she produced Aberquarrie Always Special who was the dam of Hanvale Happy To Share at Aberquarrie.
With the addition of Ch Zhavera’s Khalina at Brilyn to the kennel, (Ch Jayverly Superted ex Brilyn Goodbye Girl) a few litters were bred with Aberquarrie Almost An Angel going to the Roughrigg kennel for Morag & Jim McCarte, other notable names leaving home included: A. Such A Dream at Birkmyre and A. Sweet Dreamer at Philjanco.

One of Billy’s favourites was the sable dog Mec, known officially as Scottlyme You’re My Man, bred by Dora Richter. He was  sired by Timeless Nights Fame or Fortune ex Harriet Showpuppet, Mec as he was known to all arrived at Aberquarrie around 2003/4 and was campaigned by Billie. He took the CC at Belfast in 2004 from Rob Douglas (Geosan) and followed this up with a 2nd CC from Wendy Bobbet (Newloc) at London & Provincial in the same year. He was only here for a limited time and returned home before gaining his UK title.

Despite his varied and full work commitments Billy was intending to make a return to the show ring, but it was not to be.

Carole Smedley
(Antoc)