Col Karen Ritchie, OMM, CD
Service & Leadership
Colonel (Col) Karen Ritchie, OMM, CD, joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 1980 during a period of transformation toward gender integration. As one of the “New Thirty-Two”—the first female cadets admitted to the Royal Military College—she helped pave the way for women in military leadership. She graduated in 1985 with a degree in mechanical engineering and began her career as an officer in the Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Branch. Known for her natural leadership, Col Ritchie held key field and staff appointments, earned a master’s degree in integrated logistics support, and was appointed to the Order of Military Merit in 1999. She later served as the Canadian Forces Gender Integration and Employment Equity Officer.
While serving with RCEME, Col Ritchie tragically lost her life in a vehicle accident on October 13, 2008, at the age of 45.
Legacy & Impact
Col Ritchie broke new ground as the first of the “New Thirty-Two” to be promoted to colonel and the first woman to command 5 Area Support Group. She also led major projects in support of operations in Afghanistan and represented Canada on NATO’s Committee on Women in the Forces. Her commitment to mentoring young women continued through lifelong service to the Girl Guides of Canada. Col Ritchie’s legacy is honoured through a national engineering scholarship and the naming of the RCEME School headquarters in her memory.
Awards & Recognition
- Officer of the Order of Military Merit
- Canadian Forces Decoration (CD)
- Colonel Karen Ritchie Memorial National Scholarship (Girl Guides of Canada)
- RCEME School headquarters at CFB Borden dedicated as the Col Karen Ritchie Building
- Inductee, RMC Wall of Honour
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