Combating the Distracted Driving Epidemic - One Driver at a Time

Rachel Anne Gaschott Ritchie
2022-11-26
On Thanksgiving weekend, 22 years ago, we lost our Rachel to a drunk driver.
Rachel loved people and animals – and she was very devoted to her friends who knew they could always rely on her for help and support. And she was always a militant fighter for justice.
In 1994, Rachel’s commitment to others were recognized when she received her school’s Ann Bancroft Humanitarian Award. This special recognition included these words:
“She knows that the art of love is the perfect antidote to wash away hatred, jealousy, resentment, anxiety and fear. She also knows the art of action. When there’s a chance to work towards the better of the human condition, she will be carrying a banner, marching in a parade, or writing a poem. Our world is a better place because of you Rachel Ritchie. Like Ann Bancroft, you, two, are on a journey that promises hope for us all.”
We miss you every day, Rachel. The world is also missing you.
Mark Ritchie & Nancy Gaschoet

Shreya Dixit
2022-11-01
Age 19
It feels like yesterday.
But it was fifteen years ago on November 1, 2007.
Our very loving Shreya was snatched away from us by irresponsible act of a distracted driver.
We will never know
where she would be today,
ascending a corporate ladder,
actively working for a social cause, or
singing professionally in an opera,
her career interests she would often mention at the dinner table.

What we do know
With her donated organs
Some see better,
Many more, live better.
Those lucky individuals, we will never meet.
What we absolutely know
She loved us dearly, and
We miss
Her melodious singing,
Her warm hugs.
Her ‘Love you dad’ from her last phone call
Rings in her dad’s ear without pause.
SHREYA is in every breath of ours
Since that dreadful day,
November 1, 2007.
We will remain Shreya’s Didi, Mom & Dad

Jean-Claude
2022-10-29
On October 29, 2017 my 44 year old brother, Jean-Claude, was killed by a distracted driver on highway #7 in Minnetrista. Since then I’ve missed Jean-Claude often like when he wasn’t there with my sister and I through our widowed father’s passing, or to collectively go through our family belongings in our Minnetonka childhood home.
I missed my brother as I witnessed my sister’s daughter, Anna, get married with all our family surrounding her.
Most importantly though, I miss Jean-Claude daily as I watch his two young children grow up to be teenagers, without their father. Visiting during holidays, cheering at hockey and baseball games, learning to hunt and practicing driving, common events that are never the same without my brother there.
Danielle Wishard-Tudor

Josheph Tikalsky
2022-10-28
Dad was such a family-man and would do anything for his wife, kids, grandkids and great grandkids. Certain times of year bring out different memories; this time of year I miss working with him harvesting crops.
I also miss not having him be part of milestone events. Since his passing seven years ago, he has missed watching two grandkids get married, five high school graduations and two college graduations.
He would have beamed with pride at each of these.
Greg Tikalsky
