Third And Long – Ritch Dowrey
This past March, one of the CFL’s biggest and most knowledgeable fans, Ritch Dowrey was the victim of a senseless and brutal assault that left him with severe brain injuries. The road to recovery will be a long one, as Ritch has to relearn to do life’s most routine things. Fighting his way through the coma he was left in by his attacker, Ritch is now in a group home in Langley where he needs constant care and he’s receiving daily rehab to try and get his speech and coordination back.
Anyone who knows Ritch or “3rd Down” as he’s known to his CFL friends will know that he loves his Lions, and he loves the CFL. Ritch could tell you stories of old Lions games, and recall great memories and stats from the past. He was never shy to be controversial on his opinions on the game, or the events surrounding it. For instance, when the BC Lions traded Ritch’s favourite player Damon Allen to the Toronto Argonauts, Ritch showed up at the tailgate with a BC Lions white jersey, that he unsuccessfully tried to dye blue. The point was made and his loyalty to “Gumby” never wavered.
Part of the rehab process for Ritch is to try and engage him in activities that used to interest him in the past, and the BC Lions certainly qualify. This day had been planned for about a month by his friends and family and the Lions organization. Ritch had plenty of interaction with players, and proudly sported his #1 Dowrey jersey that the club gave him when he was in the hospital. But sometimes things were truly meant to be. One of Ritch’s favourite Lions, Casey Printers, just happened to sign with the team the day before, and was attending his first practice on this day. Ritch was a staunch supporter of Casey through the years, and was always calling for the return of “Caseymania” to BC. Casey was the last one off the field, but took the time to sign Ritch’s jersey, talk to him a bit and pose for a picture with his biggest fan.
I’ve been visiting Ritch since he was in a coma. I’ve seen him make a lot of progress and I’ve often left him after a visit feeling sad. Not so today because it was inspiring to me to see his face light up when Geroy Simon came to say hello. To watch his eyes light up when his daughter Carolyn arrived, and the connection they had.
There is no doubt that Ritch is facing a third and long in life but he’s a fighter, and he’s come a long way. He seemed to enjoy and thrive at times today, and the next step will be to have him attend a game, hopefully this season.
Thanks should go out to Jill and Sheila from Connect Communities, Brittany Ramsay of the BC Lions and Ritch’s friend Lindsay Wincherauk for their help in making this day happen for Ritch, and to the players who came to spend some time with him after practice. I think it was a positive experience for him and I was happy to be able to experience it. I am sure I speak for all of Ritch’s CFL friends when I say to Carolyn, Curtis, Jean, Allan and the rest of Ritch’s family, that is there is anything we can do we’ll be there.
I took some photos and I’ve compiled them in the photo gallery below. Please feel free to leave comments for the family, or for Ritch himself and spread the word to his CFL friends.
What a heart warming recap Bri. It brings tears to my eyes to see the photos of him out and about, and how far he’s come since I saw him in the hospital, and I know you’ve seen an even greater progression from the very beginning. Isn’t it beautiful that a parent’s love for their child can be so great that it persists no matter how garbled the mind’s state is? I’m sure his daughter, Allan and the rest of the family appreciate the support and leadership you’ve shown as far as making things happen for him. The universe definitely lined things up nicely with the timing of Casey’s arrival and it looks like the weather couldn’t have been more perfect for his visit.
Ritch’s spirit is strong and the love and positive energy he’s surrounded by will surely support his recovery over the long term. Lots of love and positive energy to both Ritch and his friends and family.
Thanks for doing this for him, OS! That means a lot to the many of us that have known Ritch for years and can’t get out there to be part of his rehab.
Its really nice to see that at times, Ritch is just as stubborn with his recovery as he was with his CFL beliefs. That alone will pull him through. Ritch is an awesome CFL and and more importantly a friend of many.
OS, we have you to thank for being there for him. Through you, we feel we are with him, hopefully he also feels that we are with him through you.
I thank you.
What a great day it was. Beautiful weather and Casey was there.
It was wonderful to see how his face lit up when Geroy Simon signed his jersey.
You could totally see that he recognized Geroy, That moment made my heart smile.
Brian, you are an amazing friend to Ritch for all you have done and continue to do to help in his recovery. It was nice to meet his daughter and see how truly happy she was for her dad that this day happened.
What a wonderful day indeed.
Thanks for sharing this. I think of Ritch all the time and it does my heart good to see him out and about with the team. Ritch welcomed me to the world of online football forums, but was never to shy to give me a hard time either. I wish all the best for him and I pray that he makes a full recovery. It’s truly not the same without him.
Will someone please tell me where exactly is Ritch is receiving his rehab in Langley? Many thanks!
Ben, if you would like to e-mail me at brian@bclionsden.ca, we can discuss where Ritch is, but I don’t think posting it here is appropriate.
My heart goes out to Ritch and his family. I’m sure glad he’s got a great bunch of BC Lions fans and friends out there to help him through this. My prayers are with you buddy and here’s to hoping some day we meet at a Grey Cup.
Your fellow 13thman comrade,
Stan in New Brunswick aka: Hfxbomberfan