Dr Alex Ritchie was a driving force behind the Age of Fishes Museum, and will be greatly missed.
It is with profound sadness that we report the passing of renowned Palaeontologist Dr Alex Ritchie, Research Fellow, Australian Museum and Emeritus faculty, Australian National University.
In 1955, roadworks near Canowindra uncovered a large rock slab covered with unusual impressions, which was then placed to the side of the road whilst roadworks continued. A local apiarist later found this slab and, believing it to contain fossils, contacted the Australian Museum about it.
In 1993 paleontologist Dr Alex Ritchie led a dig at the site of the initial fossil discovery. That dig led to the removal of 70 tonnes of rock slab and revealed over 3,000 fish fossils from the Devonian period. The dig site has led to several new discoveries and tells the story of events that occurred over 360 million years ago.
Thanks to Dr Ritchie’s persistence, the Canowindra Age of Fishes Museum is one of only two fish fossil museums in the world and is a National Heritage site due to its international scientific significance.
Dr Ritchie’s commitment, passion and lifelong enthusiasm for the Canowindra fish fossils was unrivalled, and his contribution to the world of palaentology in general was enormous. Thank you, Dr Ritchie- you will be very much missed.