Dr. Charles ‘Chuck’ Ruttan
February 3, 1943 - June 9, 2022
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.
Leave a tribute for Dr. Charles ‘Chuck’ Ruttan
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Thanks for being our dentist for so many years. We miss you. Sincere condolences to all your family.
To Cheryl and family, we were so sad to learn of your Dad's passing. Your Dad was a very special person in your lives. We are thinking of you and holding you close in thought through the difficult days ahead.
Dr. Ruttan was my dentist for over 25 years and had several funny stories to tell over that time. He was an excellent Dentist, very kind and caring to his patients.
Dr. Ruttan is the reason I became a dentist. He treated our family with such grace and gentleness. Even as a kid with many cavities, I always felt safe and in great hands at Dr. Ruttan's office.
A donation has been made to Parkinson Society.
A donation was made to Parkinson Canada in memory of Dr Charles Ruttan. I am so sorry for your loss.
We are very sorry for the loss of a sweet, gentle, loving husband, father & grandfather. May the peace that comes from all the wonderful memories of loved shared, comfort you now and always. Chuck will be missed by all and will always be walking beside each of you.
A donation has been made to Parkinson Canada. Message from the donator: We are so incredibly sorry for this huge loss. He was such a kind, caring and wonderful man, and his passing will leave a big hole in the lives and hearts of all who had the pleasure and honour of knowing him. We are thinking of you all, and sending our heartfelt condolences. xoxo
We are so very sorry to hear of your loss. Our family have many fond memories of the Ruttan family. Chuck was always the kind, gentle caring father to all the "kids" on the court. Please know we are thinking of you all. Very fondly , The Tattersalls
Our family was under Dr. Ruttan's care from the time we moved to Canada in 1984 until he finally retired after he "retired" the first time. A visit to Dr. Ruttan was always interesting, there were always great stories, those are things you don't expect from a trip to the dentist. For some reason I particularly remember his story of the time the wasps chased him into the swimming pool when he was cutting his grass!
So VERY sorry to hear of Chuck's passing. We had a wonderful relationship at the Garakani dental office. He will be missed!
I never had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Ruttan but have known Cheryl and Ken for what is becoming many years now. Reading Dr. Ruttan's obituary certainly demonstrates the beauty of a life well lived and the lasting legacy of love of family. My sincerest condolences on your loss.
So very sorry for your loss.We will always our memories of the times spent with your family.He was a wonderful man and I know that you will miss him.Our thoughts are with you all.
A sharp wit and a gentle soul, you will be missed Chuck.
Melinda & Family - Sorry for your loss of a wonderful husband and father. He was a true gentleman.
I was very saddened to learn that Chuck has passed-away. My memory of Chuck goes back to 1979, when I began practicing Dentistry down the hall from Chuck's office. He was very supportive, and referred many patients to me in those early years. Chuck was an excellent dentist -- I know first-hand: he was gentle, soft-spoken, compassionate, polite, and humble. I enjoyed his sense of humour. In our conversations over the years, he would always talk about Melinda, and their three daughters. May Chuck's memory live on through his children and grandchildren. I share your loss and extend to you my heart-felt condolences.
Melinda, Cheryl, Debbie, Carrie and families, Jim and I extend our love and hugs to all of you at this very sad time. You had a wonderful husband/father/grandfather and I can only imagine how devastated you are now that he has finally succumbed to Parkinson’s after a very prolonged battle that he fought with determination, bravery and even humour!! What a miserable disease!! As siblings, we thoroughly enjoyed our contact with him over recent years mostly through our joint emails & even a couple of zoom calls. I always felt a very real connection to Chuck and always admired his enthusiasm that he had for our big family. Having had teenagers, I can’t even imagine his trepidation at 15 yrs old about joining our noisy family but he slid in seamlessly and was accepted immediately. I look back and admire his youthful bravery!! Maybe it was his wit and sense of humour that got him through it. We shall miss Chuck a lot and hate that he is no longer with us but I’m sure that he is with all of you & us in spirit. Melinda, you have been a real trooper over the past many difficult years supporting Chuck in such a loving way during his illness. All of your love and constant support must have given him such strength and encouragement to persevere and continue marching on. Melinda, we’ll look forward to seeing you, your girls and your family in the fall. Take care. Our hearts go out to everyone. Hugs to all, Denise & Jim
We only met you one time, but it was so clear to us what a family man you were. We said that we would chat later…. I will look forward to that chat. Rest easy until we meet again!
Sorry for your loss. My family will pray for your family during this difficult time.
A donation has been made to Parkinsons. Message from the donator: Dear Debbie, Greg and daughters, sending you and your family sincere condolences, Larry & Marj Cowan
My heart is broken for all of the Ruttan family! Dr. Ruttan was my mentor for many of the best years of my Dental Hygiene career. He was a Man among Men, a leader in the most quiet and unassuming of ways. He never left a patient in need, no matter the time or day of the week. He was respected and admired by all who had the good fortune to know him, be employed by him or be in his care. I am truly, truly sorry to hear of his passing. I am forever grateful for the years I learned by his side, what it really means to be an empathetic health care provider. Thank you for your wisdom, guidance and encouragement all those years ago and RIP dear Dr. Ruttan. xoxo
My heart breaks for all of you! Dr Ruttan was such a lovely soul! As a kid he was Carrie’s dad and my dentist (lol). He was stern when required but so kind - especially when he opened the office at 6am one morning for a dental emergency so I could make the bus to Sudbury for OFSAA track!!!!! As an adult I learned how funny Dr Ruttan was. I always enjoyed my visit to the dentist - he never failed to make me giggle with his dry wit!
I am so deeply saddened to learn of Chuck’s passing. He was a consummate gentleman who I counted as a friend when I first met him in 1969. Through his gentle manner and sense of humour he turned a frightened patient into one who could visit the dentist without trepidation. I will always remember that. Farewell old friend. Rest In Peace. ❤️
Beautiful tribute for a beautiful man❤️may he Rest In Peace …heaven has gained another angel 💕
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Dear Melinda, Cheryl, Debbie and Carrie We were so sad to learn of Dear Chuck’s passing. Katrina and I loved you both very much as we grew up. As we did Aunt Starr and Uncle Bill. You both were great “older” cousins who we thought were really cool. I recall Chuck as the kindest of men, mellow, a pipe in his hand, explaining to me something…. I thank you, Melinda, and Chuck, for the kindness you showed me during a difficult time. I hope this note reaches you and that you know I’m praying for You All. 🙏🙏❤️🙏🤣
~ Cynthia Azoy Rooke