Dr. Maung Tin (Bertie) Aye, M.B. B.Chir., PhD, FRCP(C), age 83 of Ottawa, died peacefully at home surrounded by family on June 15, 2025. He was born August 9, 1941, in Rangoon, Burma, only son of Dr. U E and Daw San Kyi. Bertie was a brilliant scientist, empathic physician, astute professor, devoted and loving husband and father.
A deeply caring man, he dedicated his life to the service of others in his diligent, quiet and unassuming manner. He instilled in his children the values of loyalty, commitment, and determination, empowering them to stay true to themselves and to relentlessly pursue their dreams.
He attended the Methodist English High School in Rangoon and upon graduation left Burma to complete his studies at Queen’s College, Cambridge, England. While there he was coxswain of the Cambridge eight rowing team. He graduated in Medicine in 1966 from Cambridge University and St. Thomas’ Hospital in London, England.
Upon completion of his medical training, he accepted a residency position in haematology at the Ottawa General Hospital. It was during his residency he met the love of his life, Barbara-Ann (nee Egan) and they were married in 1968. Soon after welcoming their daughter, Christina, in 1969, he embarked on a PhD journey at the University of Toronto, delving into stem cell research under the guidance of Dr. Ernest McCulloch. He returned to Ottawa in 1974 with the birth of their son Andrew and where he founded the city's first stem cell research lab, focusing on leukemia.
In 1981, he performed the first bone marrow transplant in Ottawa from a related donor, and seven years later, he achieved another milestone by performing the first bone marrow transplant in Canada from an unrelated donor.
Bertie was also interested in technology, especially with the advent of personal computers. The debut of the IBM PC sparked his entrepreneurial spirit, leading to the creation of Tanda Software Inc. He developed Word Wand/l'Editexte, the first bilingual word processing program on the market.
In 1982, he earned his FRCP(C) and held positions such as Head of Hematology at the University of Ottawa and the Ottawa General Hospital. He also served as the Medical Director, then National Director, at the Canadian Red Cross Society, Blood Services 1989-1995.
In 1988 he was awarded the Centenary Medal by the Royal Society of Canada for his critical report on the impact of AIDS in Canada.
In 1992 in recognition of his significant contributions to Canada he was awarded the Commemorative Medal for the 125th anniversary of the Confederation of Canada, a civilian Canadian Award.
Early retirement granted him and Barbara-Ann the opportunity to travel to countries around the globe, immersing themselves in rich cultural traditions, and forging meaningful connections with friends, both old and new.
His life was an incredible journey, filled with medical advancements, academic achievements and entrepreneurial ventures.
Bertie was predeceased by his sister Dr. Shirley Aye. He is survived by his loving wife Barbara-Ann, his daughter Christina (Morgan), his son Andrew (Kathryne), his sister Daw Thynn Win Aye (Babsy), nieces and nephews.
The family will forever be grateful to the PSW team (Delores, Hali, Curine and Melanie). Their kindness and loving care were truly appreciated during a difficult time.
A private family Buddhist service will be held followed with inurnment at the Beechwood Cemetery.
Digital Guestbook
Ian Hammond
Elaine Senack
To Barbara and family my deepest sympathy on your loss. I had the privilege of working with Dr. Aye on the Unrelated Bone Marrow Donor Registry and during his years working at the Canadian Red Cross. He was always approachable and never too busy to listen and provide support.
My sincere condolences to the Aye family. Bertie and I were colleagues but in different departments, so our paths crossed infrequently. I can still picture his friendly smile in the hospital corridors. I had not realized the full extent of his accomplishments.