Dennis Frederick Pitt passed away peacefully on February 19, 2026, at the age of 78, leaving behind a legacy of healing, learning, and devotion to helping others.
Dennis was blessed with 48 wonderful years of marriage with his wife Susan. He was a steady force for his four daughters: Laura (Sean Watson), Libby (Alan Mathew), Mary (Christopher Clarke), and Emily Pitt. He will be forever remembered and adored by his grandchildren Aaliyah, Jacob, Oliver, Thomas, and Calvin. He will be missed by his sister, Lorna Doubt. His kindness is reflected in his love of the family dogs over the years.
Dennis was a dedicated historian and an avid reader—a lifelong learner who never lost his curiosity for the world. A man of faith and community spirit, Dennis was a familiar face at MacKay United Church for 46 years, where he sang in the choir. He skied and biked regularly and played defence in senior men’s hockey at Potvin Arena for over four decades. His athletic aptitude and love for physical activity live on through those he coached and mentored. To those who knew him well, he was a writer and a candid storyteller, often sharing tales of his life and, perhaps most famously, his 45 year old snowblower.
Born in Kingston, Dennis graduated from Queen’s University Medical School in 1972. He completed his surgical training at Western University and later earned a Master of Medical Education from the University of Dundee, reflecting his lifelong commitment to the art and science of teaching.
Dennis practiced general surgery, with 44 of those years dedicated to The Riverside and The Ottawa Hospitals. As an Associate Professor at the University of Ottawa and an honorary member of the Canadian Medical Association, he shaped the futures of countless medical professionals. His impact on patient care continues through the Dr. Dennis F. Pitt Educational Scholarship, awarded annually to critical care nurses at The Ottawa Hospital. He was revered not only for his surgical skill but for a calm demeanor and bedside manner that brought peace to those in his care.
Our family extends our deepest gratitude to the staff at The Ottawa Hospital for the exceptional care and respect shown to Dennis during his final days. Having dedicated so many years of his own life to these halls, it was profoundly moving to see him supported by the same community of healing he helped build. We are especially grateful to the care teams for their professional excellence and the quiet compassion that provided our family with such peace.
Dennis is the author of Those Were the Days: An Anecdotal History of the Academy of Medicine Ottawa (2004) and has authored and co-authored numerous journal articles on medicine. A Journey in Surgery: The Memoir of a Canadian Surgeon (2026) is his second book and captures his life’s journey in his own words, available at www.dennispitt.ca.
A Funeral will be held on March 14, 2026, at 1pm at MacKay United Church, located at 39 Dufferin Road in the New Edinburgh neighbourhood of Ottawa, Ontario. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Multifaith Housing Initiative or to MacKay United Church Capital Fund.
Livre de visiteurs
Ian Hammond
Robert P Aikens
Dr. Pitt operated on me a couple of decades ago. Excellent surgeon, a very kind man. We also mountain biked together with others in Gatineau Park in the 90s. Lots of fun, he was willing to ride many challenging trails, he was always great company and very proud and loving of his Family. My deepest condolences to his Family.
Ron and June Smith
To Susan and the girls. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Losing two family members so quickly will test your strength but your faith will see you through it..
Cindy Shaffer
Dear Susan and family, My deepest sympathy and condolences to you as you deal with the sad loss of your beloved Dennis. May you find some comfort in all the years of wonderful memories you shared.
Sarah Louise Tooke
Dear Pitt Family, You all have been in my thoughts and prayers these last few weeks. Even just as a little girl visiting from time to time from California, I could always tell that your dad was a kind man. When I think about your dad, the first memory that comes to me is his trying to get me up (at age 9 maybe) on water skis on Lac MacGregor. I was not figuring it out and he was very patient with me as I face planted over and over again until I finally got up for a few seconds - a real triumph! A lot of what I know of your dad also comes from stories my own dad tells. These stories range from his kindness towards my maternal grandparents who lived in Ottawa and who were both very frail for many years to building a dock at my aunt's cottage on the Gatineau forty-five years ago (this dock by the way only recently got retired). Reading his obituary above, it's so clear what a great guy he was. I'm really grateful I got to know him a little bit and am eager to check out his books. All this is to say my deepest condolences and my thoughts and prayers continue to be with you all. All my love, Sarah
Robert Lean
Susan and girls: How devastating to lose a sister/aunt and then less than two weeks later, a husband/father. May you have comfort knowing they went peacefully. I admire Dennis for his decisions and you and the girls for supporting him. Bless you all. Love, Uncle Rob.
Stephen Kravcik
Dennis was a dignified, pleasant and gentle man who personified decency in life and professionalism in his job. It was a pleasure and an honour to know him. My sympathies to his family.
Dear Sue and family, Lise and I are saddened to learn of Dennis's passing and we send you our deepest condolences. I will remember Dennis as a respected colleague and a compassionate surgeon.