On Thursday, June 9, 2022, the world became a little bit darker as Dr. Charles Ruttan (Chuck) lost his valiant fight against complications from Parkinson’s disease.
Charles Ruttan was born in Belleville, Ontario, on February 3, 1943, to his adoring parents Doris and Charles Ruttan Sr., a Royal Canadian Air Force pilot. Doris and Chuck were welcomed into their second wonderful family in Belleville, Ontario, by his stepfather Dr. Reginald Anderson, step-siblings Judy, Bob, Denise, George, Ginny, and eventually their precious sister, Elizabeth.
Chuck met the love of his life, Melinda, while attending the University of Toronto’s Dental School, and nothing can possibly express the depth of the love and devotion they shared. They were married in Sturbridge, Massachusetts, and within the subsequent 57 years, welcomed their daughters Cheryl, Debbie, and Carrie. Chuck’s beautiful life was filled with horse shows, ski races, and swim meets, wonderful family vacations, and many special getaways with Melinda.
He will always be remembered as a man of exceptional patience and compassion, as well as a dentist of unbelievably gentle skill at his Oakridge Family Dentistry practice in Hyde Park. Chuck loved aviation and took great pride in earning his private pilot’s license, spending countless hours exploring the skies. He was a gifted artist, both in paint and pen and ink. A brilliant scholar, Chuck was a passionate reader, historian, and writer.
Above all, Charles would tell you that his crowning achievements were finding his perfect soul mate in Melinda and being a father to his three wonderful daughters. Charles became further surrounded in love with the addition of his sons-in-law and grandchildren: Cheryl and Ken and their sons Nick (Celynn) and Tyler, Deb and Greg and their daughters Rileigh, Hannah, and Jordan, and Carrie and Franco and their sons Connor, Brandon, and Austin. He said frequently that his life had been filled with more love than he had ever thought possible. We will be forever grateful for the lessons he taught all of us, and the horizons we have gotten to explore with him along the way. His incredible sense of humour and gentle manner touched so many people, and the loss to our lives is ineffable.
Our family would like to deeply thank Dr. George Kim who was always there for us, Dr. Mary Jenkins, our lifeline too many times to count, and Chuck’s devoted sidekick, Senad; “Doc” forever thanks you, Senad.
From his treasured collection and favourite author Patrick O’Brien, fly high Daddy and “reach ‘em with fair minds and flowing sheets every mile of the way.
We love you endlessly. Nite nite.
As per Chuck’s wishes, there will be no funeral. Cremation has taken place and there will be a private family gathering at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a donation in memory of Chuck are asked to please consider a donation to Parkinson Canada.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Dr Charles ‘Chuck’ Ruttan February 3 1943 June 9 2022..
Death notice for the town of: London, Province: Ontario