Re: Aussie Ritzau's
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In reply to:
Re: Aussie Ritzau's
Ken Randall 3/09/08
I have just recently seen this post while researching the Ritzau name. Due to the age of the last post, the original poster Ken Randall may not see my response, but I feel I must set the record straight as I am a direct descendant of Fred Ritzau.
There were two Fred Ritzau's living in Pooraka in SA, but only one living there in 1972 born around the time you quote, so I will assume this is the Fred you are talking about.
Lets look at few of your comments Ken:
1.He was an apprentice (motor mechanic?) during the Depression, but was sacked when he turned 21 - Incorrect. He was still working as a mechanic when he married in 1939 and beyond.
2: That had a devastating effect on him. Had that not happened, it is possible he would have stayed in Sydney. - Incorrect. Fred left mechanics to pursue another career. He was offered a promotion, and a managerial position in Adelaide. His wife and young family DROVE to Adelaide and stayed at a house provided by the company until purchasing a house in Pooraka.
3. He was called Freddie in Sydney because the image of him remained frozen in time. Incorrect - NO ONE called him Freddie. except may be his Mum as a youngster.
4. Unfortunately I must tell you that he was a violent alcoholic. - Incorrect. I must say this is the best one yet! Fred rarely drank, except socially, and in fact did not even drink socially for the last 25 years of his life. As for being violent? Anyone who really know Fred Ritzau would know the absolute stupidity of your statement.
5. He had a good job during the Depression, but spent it on alcohol - Garbage!! See point 4.
6. so his family were equally as badly-off - Again Garbage! this was a very close and loving family.
7. I find it somewhat unsettling that he seems to have disappeared into the mists of time - Rubbish! Fred Ritzau lived a long and happy life until he passed away some years ago, and is still sadly missed by all of his children, and grandchildren.
Sorry to burst your bubble Ken, but there is no black sheep of the family, or a skeleton in the closet for the Ritzau family here. Fred Ritzau was a loving, caring, intelligent man and one of the last true gentleman. In fact the same could be said about both of the Fred Ritzau's in Adelaide, so unless there is a third one in Adelaide that I am unaware of, your account of the life and times of Fred Ritzau is a complete fantasy.