Pitman (Station) adopted 4 November 1948 on 103NE, as labelled on BC Lands' map 3D, 1915 et seq, and as identified in the 1930 BC Gazetteer. Confirmed 4 October 1951 on 103I. Form of name subsequently adjusted in Ottawa records, to Ritchie (railway point).

Source: BC place name cards & correspondence, and/or research by BC Chief Geographer & Geographical Names Office staff.

Originally the Grand Trunk Pacific line. Station closed May 31, 1960 according to CNR timetable, 5th revised edition, p.44. Identified as a 57-car siding, with a flag stop for passenger trains in CNR timetable #21, 30 April 1961. "Buildings have been demolished some time ago. However as we have a siding at this location for meeting of passing trains, name must be retained for operating purposes." (11 November 1961 letter from CNR, file T.1.48) Identified in CNR passenger timetable April - October 1967.

Source: included with note

Named by GTPR, "presumably after Captain George Ritchie, who ran a sternwheeler on the Skeena River during construction of the railway. His obituary notice appears in the Vancouver Sun, 13 August 1953."

Source: Provincial Archives' Place Names File ("the Harvey File") compiled 1945-1950 by A.G. Harvey from various sources, with subsequent additions