Rudolph GITTENS

I remember Dr. Gittens well from my days at Medico Dental Pharmacy . A very handsome man with a lovely wife. May he. rest In peace

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

It was privilege to know you. I enjoyed your zest for life and your sense of humour. You also kept me captivated with your stories. You showed people that if you tried hard enough you could do almost anything. The world is a better place because you were here. Enjoy Haven and know you will not be forgotten. Your crazy niece Renee

Dr. Gittens, with his sense of humor, kindness and wisdom left an impression on those who were fortunate to cross his path. The women's national soccer team was at ease when Dr. Gittens was "in the house". My deepest condolences to the Gittens family.
Annie Caron

Dear Betty,
It is with fond sadness that I just learned about Rudy's passing. It is with so much fondess that I remember him treating my gymnastic injuries as a little girl.

Angelo and I extend our condolences for your loss.

With loving memories,
Tricia
Tricia

Dear Mrs. Gittens,

I have just learned of Dr. Gitten's passing. I had the privilege to have met Dr. Gittens through CSME Canadian Society of Medical Evaluators. I truly enjoyed our many chats we had, whenever he attended our programs in Toronto and the very last one in Ottawa back in March of this year.

Words seem inadequate to express the sadness and shock I feel just about now.

May you find comfort as Dr. Gittens legacy will live on within your children and grandchildren.

Very wonderful gentleman and I am grateful for the time I was given to build a friendship.

RIP Dr. Gittens

Cristina Ramos-Tziamouranis
c/o CSME: Canadian Society of Medical Evaluators
Toronto, ON

[email protected]

Dear Betty & Family:
My heartfelt condolences go out to your family.
I am a retired x-ray tech and worked with Rudy at Riverside. He was larger than life.
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time.
Lorraine Fyke
Kingston, Ontario

My condolences to you Mrs Gittens, as I worked with Dr Gittens just for 6 years booking IE's, but within that time he made such a positive impression on me as being a fellow Trinidian. May his love and laughter always be with you an the ones he touched

Patie R, Toronto

Dear Betty, Simon and Garth
We are so so sorry to learn of Rudy's passing. We had the pleasure of working with him at The Riverside Hospital. Such a wonderful sense of humor. May you find comfort in knowing how much joy you added to his life everyday. He talked high of all of you often.
Our deepest Sympathies
Bill Hart and Shelley Hone

I first met Rudy Gittens when he was a medical student. He and his beautiful wife, Betty, became good friends and were foremost at every major celebration in my family. Rudy loved life and added to its pleasures everywhere he went. My deepest condolences to Betty and everyone in the Gittens/Hope families.

Simone Brightstein

My sincere condolences to Betty and the rest of the family.

My parents and I landed in Canada in August 1967, sponsored by brother Desmond. In May 1968 my father who had never had health issues died suddenly. My response to the shock and grief manifested in tonsillitis and I was in bed for some time. Because Des and Rudy were school mates in Trinidad, Rudy came to our home and he attended to my problem - what a privilege. I was surely blessed and never forgot his kindness.

Dear Betty and Family,

It is Greg Bay and I am very sorry for your loss but can't help but smile and be thankful for spending over 20 years travelling the world with Rudy. We did our first soccer trip together in 1984. He taught me how to pick my teeth with grace, which fork to use and when, how to dance to "Hot Hot Hot" until 2:00 am. He taught me how to be humble and how to treat everyone with equality and respect. He made me laugh with his "timbucktwo" and "Kissinger" jokes. He was a life mentor, educator and most of all a great friend.
I thank you all for Rudy and sharing him with me, the soccer community and everyone we met around the world. I am a much better person knowing Rudy and will honor him daily by trying to be as kind as him.
My thoughts and prayers go out to you.
Love Greg Bay

Dear Betty,

I would like to express my sympathy to you and your family on the death of your husband. My husband joins me in offering condolences. I will remember you in my prayers.

Dear Betty and Family,
So sad to hear about Rudi's passing. I have such fond memories of both of you and your 2 wonderful sons. David & Rudi shared a special friendship that was kind of unique. He was such a wise Gentleman. You both had a way of bringing the best out of people. He will live forever in your hearts. My prayers are with you at this difficult time. God will be with you and yours.

Anne-Marie Streater - MacLennan Fairview, Texas

May God bless and comfort you in your time of loss.
Allyson Brathwaite-Gardner, Providence, RI

Dear Betty,

My sincere condolences to and your family. Even after this many years since my father and Dr. Gittens worked together in the 67's organization, I vividly remember the impression that he made on me as a youngster, as well as the friendship that my Dad cherished over the years. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Dear Betty and family:
Dr. Gittens was indeed a wonderful gentleman and a great doctor, with an awesome sense of humour. My condolences to you and the family. You are in my prayers and thoughts at this time. God Bless!

Happy thoughts come to mind of the Gittens family living in Kingsview Park near us and watching their little boys play. Rudy and Betty always were cheerful and it was a pleasure to have them as neighbours. A true loss.

Betty and family:

I learned today of Rudy's passing and remember well the medical school days of 62/66 in Ottawa with all of the class and families, the choir singing at Christmas, the ups and downs of exams and finally the graduation. Rudy was loved for his views on life and living and this was evidenced by his achievements.

Denny De Petrillo M.D. Class of 66

Dr. Gittens was a wonderful gentleman and I count myself among the lucky to have been able to meet and interact with him. I have had the pleasure of meeting Mrs. Gittens as well, and they lit up the room together. My sincerest condolences to his close friends and family. I am sure you have endless happy memories of your time together.

Dear Betty - My memories of Rudy g back to the handsome young man who attended the University of Saskatchewan in the 1950s. Always a charmer, he flourished in his medical field with his beautiful wife Betty supporting him all the way. We will all remember him fondly. Ron and Marilyn Hayman

My condolences to the family. Rudy was a wonderful person to know.

To Betty and family, It is with deep sadness that we learned of Rudy's passing. He was a great friend to my parents, Lionel and Adele Ramkerrysingh, as fellow Trinidadians. We met Rudy on many social events and always enjoyed seeing you both. Sincere condolences to you and your family and may great memories of him sustain you all in the days ahead.

Dear Betty - upon arriving in Victoria, we were devastated to hear of Rudy's death. We will be back on October 3rd, but until then, please know that we are thinking of you and the boys and their families. Much love, Jean and Dan

Dear Betty, Garth and Simon - it was wonderful to see Dr. Gittens last July after so many years. To my eyes, he hadn't changed a bit. All of you are in our thoughts. With love, Alison and David

Our deepest sympathies are with you and your family at this time of grieving.

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

Dear Betty and Family,

I'm so sorry to hear of Rudy's passing. He was a great man and the life of the party. I don't remember ever seeing Rudy without a smile on his face - and smiles on the faces of those around him.

Rudy was a great friend to my dad and had such an amazing sense of humor. His loss will be felt by many.

Please accept my deepest condolences.

With love,
Rachel (and Kael)

Dear Betty,Simon and Garth,
Rudy came into our life 47 years ago. He immediately became a 'family member' and remained so until the end. Apart from his medical expertise which transcended Orthopedics, he had an incredible mind and always seemed to know what to do.
Sandra and I, our children and grandchildren are extremely saddened by the loss of our dear friend. Our prayers go out to your family.
Vinton and Sandra Crawford,
Alabama , USA

Dear Betty - You are SO RIGHT. Yes, GOD IS STILL GOOD to us, your dear Rudy IS PROOF! A gift in each life he touched, each of us is smiling even now through our tears... remembering a personal SPECIAL RUDY MOMENT shared... a smile, a laugh, some wine shared, a gentle lesson, all wrapped in his ever present and contagious joie-de-vivre. We send you our love and prayers,

Betty, I have such fond memories of the Gittens and the Bests getting together over the years. He was a lovely man. My sincerest condolences.
Christene Best

Mrs. Gittens, and amazing old friend Garth (way back from Tommy & Lefebvre days), my father Maurice and Barbara Jette were wonderful friends. I too had the opportunity to experience the love, sincerity and friendship of your family.

Our thoughts are with you.

Much love.

Mike and Cecilia

Betty and family - So sorry to hear of Rudy's passing. He was a well respected member of our community and a wonderful man. My thoughts are with you.

My mother was a patient of Dr. Gittens many years ago and always raved about how wonderful he was. He was definitely someone who had a lasting impression on her. Sadly she passed away last year so I'm sending condolences on her behalf. I know she would've wanted me to.(From Kim Blais on behalf of Miriam Blais)

condolances to the Gittens family


May your soul rest in peace Mr Gittens

M.Faucher

Dear Betty - I know that Jeff called you from Barbados to offer our sincere condolences but I just wanted to add that we will always remember Rudy's warmth and kindnesses to us when we stayed in your cottage on our return to Barbados. We are thinking of you and your family at this difficult time.

Mrs. Gittens (Betty)- As a member of the RCMP Band and as we travelled around the world, it was always special when you and your husband took time to come and say hello with a cheery greeting. Your husband has made an important contribution to Canada's sports life and we are all so grateful.

Dear Uncle Rudy:

May your soul rest in peace. Thank you for 'kodak moment' talks.

I remember Rudy's lovely smile and friendly wave across the backyard on Riverside/Walkley. Deepest condolences to you Betty, Simon and Garth.

Dear Aunt Betty and family:

Sincere condolences on the loss of my Uncle Rudy. I was quite stunned by the news, but comforted that he lived a productive life and departed his way. My prayers and thoughts are with you at this time. May you find comfort in the reading of Psalm 130.

Dear Betty and family our deepest and most sincere condolences to you at this difficult time. We were shocked to hear the sad news.May Rudy rest in peace in the Garden of the Lord, our prayers and thoughts will be with you always.
Shelley & Tony Richardson

Betty, I'm so sorry to hear of Rudy's passing and at the same time happy that we were reacquainted through mutual friends, Marie and Denis at their home many years ago. Will never forget Rudy's greeting, "Hi there Cousin". My thoughts and prayers are with you and family.

Lynne (Clarke) Wilson
Niagara Falls, Ontario.

Betty and Gittens Family

Rudy and I first met when he was on the Medical Team of the Ottawa Rough Riders, then again with the Ottawa 67's. When I was 'a stubborn kid that knew it all', I refused to use car seat belts. Rudy's gentle advice has made me forever grateful.
LIFE is not what we ACCOMPLISH
~ LIFE is what we OVERCOME
Gus Kennedy

I was blessed to have Uncle Rudy as my God Father in this life. WHAT AN EXCEPTIONAL HUMAN BEING! He is truly one of my most unforgettable characters.

Peace and happy memories are our wishes for Aunty Betty, Garth, Simon and your families.

We pray that we will ALL be reunited with this wonderful, kind, remarkable human being. As Uncle Rudy would say "One Day, Ting-go-lay"

We love you,
Cathy, Joe, Candice and Fedele from Calgary

To Betty and Family
My sincerest condolences to you and the family. Rudy was always such a kind-hearted and jovial person.
His kindness to me will always be appreciated and cherished; his joviality and love of calypso music will always be remembered.
Rudy will be missed.
May his soul R.I.P.

Dear Betty and family
I was so shocked to hear the sad news about Rudy. He was such a gentleman, always smiling. Wish I could give you a great big hug.
Pauline, Mike and Kim.

Heard the news in Washington DC and am still in shock. Honoured to have made his acquaintance. Will miss his elegance and charm at community events. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Dear Betty and family Rudy will be missed by allIm a retired Riverside Hospital staff member R.I.P Rudy

Betty I was so saddened to hear of Rudy's passing. He was a good man. Whenever he enters a room there was laughter. May hope and faith comfort you and your family.
Pearl Soochit-Hope and family. T'dad & Tobago.

Dear Betty and Family: For some moments in life there are no words. David and I are deeply saddened by the loss of Rudy.
However, as they say, the one who is most admired by God is the one who achieves eternal life.
We will miss him and we will cherish all the happy memories and wonderful meals we shared over the years.
We are there for you.
God Bless:
David and Darlene Smith [Ottawa]

Wonderfull Man, Wonderfull doctor

From all of us at CASEM, RIP Rudy

The Hernandez family extend their sincere love for Rudy. God bless the Gittens family.

With much love The Hernandez family

Betty, I am so sorry to hear of Rudy's passing. Together you made things happen. I remember when Ottawa Twinning phoned late one night and asked for his help as a doctor for a visitor from Guyana who became ill with a Sickle Cell attack and who had no health care, he stepped up. He lived and breathed the oath he took to care for those who needed it. As a Trinidadian I am proud to have known him - and to call him friend and community supporter. May he rest in peace. Indeed a life well lived. There is a lot of Calypso and dancing now being played in heaven! Anne Clarke

To the Gittens Family:
May God bless you in this time of sorrow.

A lovely man who always carried a wonderful and warm smile. He'll be missed for sure, but as the words above say "a life well lived."

Sunil Gulati

Dear Simon and family,
So very sorry to hear about the loss of your dad.
Sincerely, Bonnie Duncan

Betty,
Kittie and I were saddened by the news of Rudy's passing. We cherish the memories of our contacts with him and yourself, during our four winters in Ottawa.

Please accept our heartfelt condolences!

Besley Maycock

So sorry to hear of Uncle Rudy's passing. My far-to-few visits with him over the last 22 years were all wonderful times, and I will remember him most fondly.

I worked with Rudy years ago at the Riverside. He was a joy to work with and I loved his laugh. He was like a big cuddly teddy bear. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.

Simon, Alexandre & family,

My family and I want to express our deepest condolences to you and your family on your loss. I'm sorry I didn't get a chance to meet him after hearing so much about him while I was in Ottawa. Know that your family is in our thoughts and although I am still not sure whether or not we are indeed related, I would have liked to think that if it were true, I would be proud to be a Gittens based on his legacy.

Only met Rudy on his flying visits to Edmonton at his brothers home, but he seemed like family and I will miss him.

Sincere condolences to Betty and family. I knew Rudy many, many years ago, when I worked at the Civic. He was an amazing, kind man, admired by all. My thoughts are with you.
Kathy Nichols

September-22-13

Sincerest condolences to Betty and family

Harvey & Sybil Hope

What wonderful memories we cherish of Rudy (and Betty and their two little boys) during Med School at Ottawa U! (Grad '66) be it classroom participation or social activities with classmates or at home with my parents and brothers also! May God bless his family with fond memories and good health to all!

Dr Gittens always found time to share his knowledge and compassionate care. He was a big part of the minor and Jr A hockey community. Always willing to give his expert advice. My sincere condolences to his family. Many thanks to Ruddy.

Greg Shears

Betty and family,

My deepest sympathy to all of you.

My first memory of Dr. Gittens was when he was working for Patenaude Pharmacy on Merivale Road near my family home in the Vets area. I can remember you Betty when my Dad, Pat O'Connell, asked you to ride in a convertible in our Little League opening parade.

In 1982 my Mom Jean O'Connell was a Manager with OHIP. She was able to get me in quickly to see Dr. Gittens at his sports clinic. I saw him often at the General Hospital. He got me treatment at the Rehab Centre.

I have many good memories of his caring and excellent treatment.

I have all of you in my thoughts and prayers.

To Simon and Garth,

My sincere condolences on the loss of your dad. You and your parents were always so kind to me when we were children.

Shelley Belair Allen

To Betty, Simon and Garth,

Sincerest condolences on the passing of your cherished husband and father.

Cletus

My Condolences to Betty and the Entire Gittens/Hope Families on their Loss, Rudy was such a joy to be around, he will surely be missed by all who have ever met him.
Tony Waterman
Ottawa

Dear Betty, Simon, and Garth, It is with a heavy heart that I express to you our deepest sympathy at this time of sorrow. Rudy was so much more than our family physician: He was an inspiration, a friend, and a wonderful fun-filled human being. May you find comfort in reflecting on his rich legacy. And may he enjoy eternal peace.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Carlos, Karen, Teyana, Cristian and alessandro.

To the Gittens Family,
I was very sorry to hear of Rudy's passing. I am a retired xray tech, and I had the priviledge of working with Rudy for many years at the Riverside Hospital. He was a wonderful orthopedic surgeon,and was so much fun to work with. He will be missed.

With deepest sympathy,
Dale Peckett

Betty, my deepest sympathy to you and your family
Carmen Laflamme

The Light of a beautiful soul will never be extinguished. Our love and prayers are with Aunty Betty, Simon, Garth and their families- with all our love- the Alfonso and Nurse families in Trinidad and Tobago.

My deepest sympathies on behalf of myself and the local track & field sport community. Rudy did a lot for me and for our athletes when I first came to Ottawa in the late 80's and onward. He was really a happy and funny MD who enjoyed his profession. I really enjoyed my too brief associations with him … the door was always open.

Rudy and I were trainees together at the Civic Hospital back in 1966-67. He was a good friend and it was a joy to know him. His contribution to our community was huge and he will be greatly missed. Our sympathy to all of the family. John & Gillian Forster

Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
We have many fond memories of good times with Rudy and you.

Betty, Simon, Garth and Family,
Please accept my deepest condolences on the passing of your dear Rudy. He was such a great friend to my parents. May you find peace and strength knowing he was such amazing person who has make such a positive and lasting impact on many.
Sincerely,
Shelly Borenstein

Betty and family
Len and I are so saddened to hear of Rudi's passing. He was a remarkable man and will be much missed.

The Hums, Parkdale United Church

Simon,
Please accept my most sincere condolences on the passing of your father.

My deepest condolences to Betty, Simon, and Garth he was quite a guy and a real gentleman.It was a pleasure knowing him. George Hathaway

Garth,

I am so sorry to hear about your dad. He was a remarkable man who will certainly be missed. My thoughts are with you and your family.

Warmest regards,
Odette Spitzer-Freedman

you'll be forever miss Rudy !
your Friends ! Anik ,Vinod and Louise
xoxo

Betty Simon family Marie Claire and I would like express our sincere condoleances in the loss of a husband and lifelong partnrr,good friend colleague and father. We were unfortunately not aware of his ailment. Will do our best to attend
Jp Desjardins

I had the good fortune of meeting Rudy on several occasions. He was kind, incredibly intelligent and very, very funny.
My thoughts and prayers are with Rudy's family and friends.

Rudy was a wonderful physician. He was a much finer person. I had the pleasure of knowing him since his days in Pharmacy at Medico-Dental,and through his residency at the Civic Hospital and during his career as a physician. I was so pleased to have known him and to be able to call him my friend.May God give Betty and all the children some comfort during this difficult time.

Rudy's wry wit would leave you smiling for weeks, months and years after chatting with him...each time you remembered him. Now for a lifetime.

RIP Rudy. Your compassion, life lessons and moral compass will live on through all of us.

A humble and gifted man, Rudy brought his own special, shining light of kindness and caring into the lives he touched. His legacy, above all, is a life of service, healing, and love. He will be dearly and deeply missed.

RIP, Uncle Rudy. We will always remember your kindness, your love, your laughter and your love for live. We love you. - Joe, Robert, Susie, Lennard, Roma, Danielle, Gabrielle an Ivanna.

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.