By Sean Hatchard
Asking Herb Gosewich to share a few memories of his time at his store is like opening the first page of a novel that spans 44 years.
“I’ll remember everything, especially the customers,” the 74-year-old owner of Ritchie’s Sports-Fan Apparel Shop said.
Gosewich decided to retire and close his store at 134 Sparks St. last month to make way for development by the National Capital Commission.
“I never expected to have so much success. I’m really surprised so many people supported the store over the years.”
Six days a week, Gosewich rose at 6 a.m. from his Centretown home and stayed at Ritchie’s until 6 p.m. each night.
Sundays were reserved for time with his family — wife Dena and daughters Mandy and Vicky
“It became such a routine for me,” said Gosewich, who bought the store in 1958 when it was facing bankruptcy.
According to Gosewich, time flies when you’re having fun.
“I really got enjoyment of going in there every day. It wasn’t about making money — it’s not a money making business.”
The walls of Ritchie’s were covered with ball caps, its specialty. Teams from all pro sports were represented, while other sports souvenirs and memorabilia items such as jerseys, sneakers, key chains and magnets were also available.
But most customers came for Gosewich, who became a well-known Centretown personality.
Blaine Bouchard, a Centretown resident and Ritchie’s customer, called Ritchie’s a “Centretown institution” and said he’ll miss Gosewich’s store.
“It’s sad to see it go. It’s part of Ottawa’s history.”
Gosewich said he will always cherish the working relationship he had with members of the former Ottawa Rough Riders football club and his loyal staff.
He joked about all the customers who bought items from the shop for Christmas, but returned the rejected gifts a few days after the holidays.
“I’ll also never forget all the people who bought stuff from other stores, but then tried to return it at my store,” he said.
Gosewich’s wife of 40 years, Dena, 68, proudly recalled the amount of publicity he received over the years.
“He’s been interviewed by the newspapers and TV stations all the time and it’s all because of the man,” she said.
“When you’re a store keeper, let me tell you, you are the store.”
She said her husband’s popularity in the community helped make the store a success.
“Whenever we went to a game, I could always hear people saying ‘hey, that’s the guy from Ritchie’s.’”
The Gosewich’s now plan to travel and spend more time with family.
“It’s just nice to have him around the house now,” Dena Gosewich said.
Herb Gosewich, meanwhile, retires with the comfort of knowing his store was a success.
“It was unique, we had a little bit of everything. I’ll always remember people who couldn’t find what they were looking for at any other place and would say, ‘Ritchie’s will have it.’”