It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Todd Owatz
Todd was born in Regina, Saskatchewan on May 14, 1971 and passed away on October 15, 2020 in Rossland, British Columbia. He was predeceased by his grandparents Harold and Grace Boon and Peter and Kathryn Owatz. Todd is survived by his wife Sandra (nee Kinnon), children Samuel and Sarah, parents Fred and Adele Owatz, and siblings Brett Owatz (Taryn) and Krista Barnett (Trent); and their families.
Todd attended public school in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, graduating from Peacock Collegiate in 1989. He went on to attend the University of Saskatchewan, obtaining an anatomy degree, medical degree and completing his General Surgical residency in 2001, receiving many honours along the way. He spent his first year in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan before moving his practice to Trail, British Columbia in 2002.
His tendency to avoid the limelight and his drive for perfection and efficiency were qualities he always possessed. As a surgeon in training he often spent hours practicing his sutures at home in an attempt to outperform his mentors. He dedicated himself to becoming the best he could be for each patient and spent his free time researching the latest techniques and passing those skills on to future medical students and surgeons.
Todd preferred the quiet life and running was his reprieve from the stresses of his daily grind. He always enjoyed the challenge of training and successfully completed many long distances races and marathons. His children were his driving force though, and he could often be found at the local rivers or lakes fishing or swimming with them. He was also a regular fixture at hockey games, swim meets or gymnastics classes to encourage them. Todd could always be counted on to cheer for his beloved Saskatchewan Roughriders, SanFrancisco 49ers or Winnipeg Jets and tried unsuccessfully to convert his son to his “teams”. Todd’s dry sense of humour and quick wit will be qualities that will bring a smile to many as they remember the time they spent with him. Our lives will forever be changed by his absence but we are comforted by the fact that he made this world a brighter and better place.
Todd’s family would like to thank his colleagues for all their help and support these past months. It brought him great peace to know that his family would be cared for by such amazing people. We would especially like to thank Dr. Andrea Jenkins, whose care and attention allowed Todd to remain at home with his family.
There will be no service at this time. As an expression of sympathy, your donations, made in Todd’s memory, can be made to either the Leukemia or Lymphoma Society of Canada www.llscanada.org/ways-to-donate or to the KBRH Hospital Foundation. kbrhhealthfoundation.ca/donations/donatenowonline.aspx
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Todd Stephen Owatz May 14th 1971 October 15th 2020..
Death notice for the town of: Trail, Province: Colombie britanique
My Deepest sympathy to Fred , Adele, Brett and Krista with the loss of their wonderful Son and Brother.
I am so sorry to hear about Todd Sandra.
Thinking of you and your families.
Cherish your fond memories.💐💐💐💐💐
So sorry to hear about Todd. No child should go before their parents. My deepest sympathy for all of you
I just heard this evening, of Todd’s death. We built our homes at the same time and thoughts was my surgeon for breast cancer, we spoke less about cancer and more about building. I moved back to Ontario for four years and have now come back to BC. I am sad that the world has lost this beautiful talented human. He will be greatly missed.
Our sympathies to you and your family Sandra. You are in our thoughts, there are no words to o describe how much I feel for you and your family at this time.
I am shocked to hear of Dr Todd Owatz’s passing. He was my surgeon for breast cancer and I cannot say enough good things about my experience with him. Our deepest condolences to his entire family. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. He will be missed.