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BORN

1925

DIED

2021

Ward PITFIELD Obituary

WARD CHIPMAN PITFIELD Died in his sleep on May 14, 2021 at the age of 95. Born in Montreal on September 6, 1925. He was the second of seven children of Ward Chipman Pitfield and Grace MacDougall Pitfield of Montreal (Mary Grace Elcock, Sally Moore, Robert Pitfield, Tony Pitfield, Susan Clarkson, and Michael Pitfield). He leaves his loving wife, Diana Sutherland Pitfield, after sixty-seven years of marriage. Together they raised five children: Chip (Michelle Savoy), Liz, John (Sue Pitfield), David (Cathy Bongard) and Sally. Dad was admired by all twelve of his grandchildren, Ward (Katherine), Keefer (Lindsay), Marshall, and Eric; Tomas Donatelli-Pitfield (Estefania); Jack (Caroline) and Chris; Graham, Ben and Kate; and Sophie Bartlett and Will Bartlett. As well as his four great-grandchildren, Josefine, River, Hunter, and Georgia. Dad served with the RAF Transport Command from 1942 to 1944. He attended McGill University and played memorably clean hockey for the McGill Redmen (how he lost fourteen teeth during a game at Varsity Arena remains a mystery). He worked for 36 years at Pitfield Mackay Ross Limited and was fiercely proud of its partners and employees. In addition to his strong work ethic, his lifelong passions included Thoroughbred racing and breeding, riding and fly fishing... and the company of a good dog. He was particularly proud of 'Tweedhill' farm and its superb herd of purebred Angus cattle. He enthusiastically shared his opinions and proffered advice even when such advice was not actively solicited. He was often correct. Most importantly, Dad was charismatic, funny, kind and generous. He discreetly provided financial support and encouragement to a great many people, some of whom undoubtedly remain unknown to us. We will miss him greatly. In his final years, he received incredible and compassionate care from the remarkable staff at North York General Hospital and at Sagecare's 147 Elder Street retirement residence, for which we will always be very grateful. Dad's ashes have been interred (in his favorite cowboy boots) at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. A celebration of Dad's life will be announced when COVID restrictions have been lifted. Please email any special memories or (mostly true) stories of Dad to [email protected] Donations in Dad's memory to Second Harvest would be gratefully appreciated.

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Published by The Globe and Mail from May 21 to May 25, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
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2 Entries

Bob Dimon

May 26, 2021

I met Mr. Pitfield in 1975 in the trading dept at Pitfield Mackay Ross.
Through the years I found him to be personable, good natured with a nice sense of humor. He commanded much respect but always had time to talk hockey or horses.
It was a pleasure working for him and his company.
He created a great working atmosphere and we will miss him.
He must have done something right because I'm still here.

Jennifer Rogers

May 24, 2021

Dear Pitfield family,
I met your Mum and Dad when I moved to Caledon. Before that, I knew Ward's reputation as a Titan in the investment industry and I was intimidated. Initially, I remained intimidated and I think he enjoyed that!
Over the years as I got to know Ward better, I grew to be in awe of his integrity, his honesty, his goodness of heart, his generosity of spirit, his sharp mind (as well as his sharp tongue), his steadfast leadership and his social conscience. Put all those together with a wonderful, dry, mischievous sense of humour and I came to adore Ward and felt privileged to have him as a friend.
For me he set an example in how to navigate through life without ever compromising your core values. He was tough and not quite so tough as he liked everyone to think. I loved and admired him for it.
I sought his advice often in regard to the Horse business. Unlike most Horsemen, he gave it freely. One of the things he said, "There is no substitute for the sound of your footsteps in the barn".
I hear his footsteps all the time.
Much missed, never forgotten.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Rogers

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