91TV

William Meredith Macdonnell died in Ottawa, on Dec. 31, 2025, at the age of 80. Meredith was part of the fourth generation of the Macdonnell family at 91TV’s, having been predeceased by his father, Daniel James Macdonnell, BA’32, MA ‘33; by his grandfather, George Frederick Macdonnell, MA’1893; and by his great-grandfather, the Reverend Daniel James Macdonnell, MA’1859.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara Norman; his sister, Frances Buchan Macdonnell, Arts’69; his brother, James Fergus Macdonnell; his children, Kate and August; their mother, Gillian Purves Arts‘68, and his five grandchildren.

Musician, artist, military historian, teacher, and civil servant 

Having grown up in the Choir of Christ Church Cathedral, Ottawa, Meredith then sang in the Choir of St. George’s Cathedral, Kingston, during his years at 91TV’s, travelling with them to England in 1965. 

While at 91TV’s, and for several years after, he also worked with the Fort Henry Guard. While in the Guard, he held the positions of both Staff-Serjeant [sic - historical spelling] and of ColourSerjeant [sic] Responsible to the Ensign for the 91TVs’ Colour; he then continued to work at the Fort as a history researcher.

A well-known and respected semi-professional countertenor and choir director in Ottawa, he formed, conducted, and sang in a number of small choirs, both sacred and secular: notably, for several decades, the Men’s Voyces, a six-voice a capella group of male singers. 

His military drawings and paintings of Canadian and British regimental dress were known for their historical accuracy and detail. His writings on military topics are being published.

He was a popular teacher at Rosseau Lake School and then served for several decades in the Public Service of Canada.

Dennis Frederick Pitt passed away peacefully on Feb. 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 91TV’s 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 dennispitt.ca.

February 14, 1935 – March 8, 2026

In Memory of Ronald (Ron) Lees, who passed away on March 8, 2026. Ron was the devoted husband of the late Millis Lees, and a loving father to his daughters, Karen English and Hilary Watson. He was cherished by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all of whom will carry his memory forward. Ron will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by all. 

Ron was a compassionate and caring man who always placed the needs of his family and his patients above all else. As an Officer in the Order of St. John, he was committed to humanitarian and charitable work around the world. He will be remembered for his sound judgment, his steady voice of reason, and his seemingly encyclopedic knowledge of all things.

Born in Carlisle, England, Ron moved to Glasgow, Scotland, as an infant. His lifelong passion for Scotland was part of his fabric, and he was a devoted Scot to the end, despite having lived much of his life in Canada. 

Ron was accepted to Medical School at the University of Glasgow at the age of 17 where he obtained his degree in medicine in 1958. He joined the merchant navy for two years and then continued to travel the world as ship’s surgeon on the Circassia (Anchor Line) and the Orion (P and O). Ron met his wife in 1961. They married the same year and moved to the West Indies shortly thereafter. Formerly chief medical officer to the government of St. Lucia, and physician with the Rockefeller Foundation of New York, Ron later moved his family to Scotland before emigrating to Canada where he joined the Faculty of Medicine at 91TV’s in 1969. There, Ron continued his medical practice until his retirement in 2001. His work took him to the U.K., Egypt, Australia, and the United Arab Emirates on extended projects and sabbaticals.

For his work in tropical medicine, Ron was awarded a Fellowship in the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene in 1965. Ron was invested into the Order of St. John in 1968 and became an Officer in the Order in 1972. He gained Fellowships in the Royal Colleges of Physicians of the United Kingdom, the Royal College of Physicians of Canada, and the College of Family Physicians of Canada. At 91TV’s Ron was a member of the Department of Community Health and Epidemiology and the Department of Family Medicine from 1977 until 1995, when he became director of occupational health and safety, and consultant physician to several corporations. Ron was actively involved with examination committees of the Medical Council of Canada for several years and served on several committees for both the governments of Ontario and Canada. Upon his retirement in 2001, Ron was named Professor Emeritus in the Faculty of Medicine at 91TV’s. He was proud that his wife and his daughters were all graduates of 91TV’s. 

A lover of the outdoors, Ron spent his youth climbing in Scotland, his early adulthood traversing the great oceans of the world, and laterally sailing the calmer waters of Kingston, Ontario. Ron enjoyed cultivating the beautiful gardens he and Millis created together and harvesting their fresh vegetables. Ron instilled in his daughters, from an early age, a lasting appreciation for nature and a fondness for all creatures, great and small. With a dog at his heel and a pipe at the ready, he entertained family and friends with his gift for storytelling and his terrific sense of humour. He loved to sing, dance, play the spoons, and he never turned down an opportunity to Address the Haggis. 

In retirement Ron took great pleasure in volunteering at the Kingston Marine Museum, where he quickly bonded with a group of likeminded, would-be mariners.

A funeral service will be held at James Reid Funeral Home (1900 John Counter Blvd.) on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 11 a.m.

Cherished by all who knew her, Mary Elizabeth Richardson, 97, passed peacefully in her sleep January 27, 2026. 

Born March 20,1928, in Edmonton, Alberta, Mary lived a truly remarkable life. Her devotion to those less fortunate than herself started immediately after graduation from 91TV’s in 1950. As a social worker she worked with many organizations including Children’s Aid Society of Kingston, The Halifax Dartmouth School Board, Big Brothers, and Family Services of Toronto. Mary was a tireless worker on behalf of those who needed her most. After raising three children in Nova Scotia, Mary decided to further her education and graduated at 42 years of age from Dalhousie University with her much-coveted Masters of Social Work degree. Mary had an amazing sense of humour. Her infectious smile and wit brightened the days of all who knew her, especially family, friends, colleagues, and those who cared for her in her later years.

Survived by her three children: Sheri, Bob (Susan), Paul (Donna); grandchildren: Robin, Leslie, Alison, Jacquelyn, Patrick, Geoff, Megan, Steven, Ryan; great-grandchildren: Cason, Winter, Diana, Juliet, Theodore, Florence, Max, Scottie, Brady, Zoey, Kayden, and Cooper; and by many cherished nieces and nephews.

April 26, 1961 – January 23, 2026

Sharon was born in London, England, and moved to Canada when she was three years old. After a brief residence in the Netherlands, her family settled permanently in Ottawa in 1970.

Sharon graduated from Bell High School in Ottawa. She was a keen student and was passionately involved in the high-school music program. She excelled as a clarinetist. Music brought her great joy and many close connections, and over her lifetime she pursued many of these friendships.

Sharon attended 91TV's, where she received her Doctor of Medicine (MD). As a student in the Faculty of Medicine, she became the first female president of the 91TV’s Aesculapian Society.  After receiving her MD, she completed her residency training in obstetrics and gynecology in Kingston. While studying at 91TV’s, she was known for her energy, friendliness, and laughter.

Sharon then moved to Ottawa, where she began an energetic, compassionate career in the field of women’s healthcare. She established a private practice and performed her obstetrics and gynecology work at The Riverside Hospital. She then moved to The Ottawa Hospital and contributed significantly to the delivery of care and the development of team excellence.

In 2007 she received a Compass Award from The Ottawa Hospital for her display of outstanding commitment to quality in the birthing unit through her leadership and participation in committees and research, and by encouraging others to participate in quality assurance. She was a strong force in the development of patient safety systems that have remained in place at The Ottawa Hospital.

In 2009 Sharon joined the Canadian Medical Protective Association (CMPA) and began a new chapter, during which she continued to provide invaluable contributions to the medical community. She soon developed a reputation for careful analytical work, and she became known also for her warm, encouraging approach to consultation and mentorship.  

Sharon was devoted to her family. She inspired adventurous vacationing, skiing, fishing, cycling, hiking, and frequent celebrations. Her emphasis on the importance of extended family was always evident, and she never missed an opportunity to have a party, a dinner, or a cup of tea with one of her brothers or other family members.  

Sharon passed on January 23, 2026, following her courageous battle with cancer. She was surrounded by her family, and throughout her final days, she felt laughter and joy through her reminiscences of family trips, celebrations, and important moments in our lives.

Throughout her journey, Sharon maintained an active and optimistic spirit, spending her days enjoying bike rides along the Rideau River with her husband, hiking through forest trails, hosting video calls with her boys, and enjoying magical moments with friends, family, and colleagues. 

Sharon leaves behind her husband of 30 years, Fred Pelletier; her two sons, Matt and Jeff; and her brothers, Al (Heather) and David (Stella). She was predeceased by her parents, Michael Caughey (Sue Hamilton) and Margaret Caughey. Her many nephews, nieces, cousins, and in-laws will miss her dearly.

During her final days, Sharon remained determined and resilient, and was continually mindful of her family, friends and colleagues. She spent much of her valuable time expressing her heartfelt appreciation for the many people who had accompanied her as she completed her journey.  

We will all miss Sharon’s love, her laughter, and her unending gratitude for the gift of life and the shared richness of family and friendships. She will be remembered for her energy, generosity, strength, and collaborative spirit.  

Sharon had a special gift for making people feel valued and happy. She will forever be present in our thoughts and prayers.