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. Those unable to attend in person may join via live stream. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Multifaith Housing Initiative or to MacKay United Church Capital Fund.
Digital Guestbook
Guillaume Martel
Lorraine Yaremko (Cousin)
I was so saddened to get Lornas e-mail. My condolences to Susan and your family.
Rest in Peace Dennis.
Robin Fairfull Smith
My condolences to Dennis’s family.
Dennis was a great surgical colleague, a fine teacher of surgery and respectful of everyone he interacted with, but despite all these qualities, what I remember most was that he was a kind and thoughtful gentleman. He will be remembered well by many patients and surgical students.
Diane Pieters
Dear Susan and family; I was so sorry to hear about Dennis's recent passing. He was an amazing husband, father, grandfather and friend. I loved hearing him sing in the choir at MacKay and to have great chats with him at talking time afterwards. Dennis was also an amazing and caring surgeon to my daughter and also a son-in-law. Susan, may all your memories of Dennis become treasures as time passes. In sympathy and friendship, Diane Pieters
Nicole Van Hove
Eighteen years ago, Dennis and Susan literally lived out the biblical calling to welcome the stranger when they welcomed me into their home after my new employer gave me short notice and little support to move across the country to Ottawa. I will never forget such radical generosity. Dennis, Natty and I miss you; Susan we send you all our love.
Nicole Van Hove
Thank you Dr. Pitt for your surgical teachings over the years. My deepest condolences to your beautiful family.