Donald Ruttan

RUTTAN, Donald Allan ("Al")

Feb. 9, 1929 - Mar. 17, 2016

Retired Captain, RCAF

Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of earth,

And danced the skies on laughter - silvered wings;

Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth of sun-split clouds,

–and done a hundred things you have not dreamed of.

And, while with silent lifting mind I've trod

the high untrespassed sanctity of space,

put out my hand, and touched the face of God.

(excerpt from High Flight - John Magee, Jr.)

After a long struggle with Alzheimers, peacefully, with his daughter by his side. Predeceased by his devoted and loving wife Terry Arsenault (1995). Father of Cathy (Ron McFadyen), Susan (John Vrieling), Timothy (Eva Zachary), and Jeffrey (Diane Stephenson). Proud Poppa to Kimberly, Troy, Adam (Shannon), Lucas (Amy), Clayton, Jaime (Matthew), Rebecca (Tom), Laura, and Miles. Great-grandfather to Ellie and Maxwell. Predeceased by his daughter-in-law, Deborah Halliday. Brother to Gerald (Valarie) Ruttan. Interment in Syndenham, Ontario. Private family service. For those wishing, a donation may be made to a charity of their choice.