Roger Ruttgaizer
1947 - 2024
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of a beloved husband, father, and grandfather on October 17, 2024, at Freeport Palliative Care. After a courageous 7-month battle with cancer, he left us surrounded by the love of his family at the age of 77.
He was a devoted husband to his best friend Theresa, with whom he shared 53 wonderful years of marriage. A loving father to his three sons, Jason, Scott (Kristen) and Ryan (Erin). He took immense pride in his role as poppy to his cherished granddaughters, Arya and Violet.
Roger was the 7th of 13 Ruttgaizer siblings from Botwood, NL, born to Dorothy Ruttgaizer (nee Howell) and Jack Ruttgaizer. The Ruttgaizer family moved to Botwood, young children in tow, from Millertown Junction.
Roger grew up in Newfoundland before moving to Toronto, Ontario, where he met the love of his life, Theresa. They soon returned to Newfoundland, where they lovingly raised their three sons. Roger was an enthusiastic volunteer with the Mount Pearl Soccer Association where he has been inducted in the Mount Pearl Soccer Association Hall of Fame and took great joy in coaching his boys' hockey teams.
In later years, Roger and Theresa lived in Moncton, Halifax, and Edmonton before finally settling in Kitchener in 2013. There, they embraced the joys of being grandparents to their beloved granddaughters.
Roger is predeceased by his parents, siblings Helen Goudie, Frank Ruttgaizer and Cynthia Ruttgaizer and his brother in-laws Tom Fiander and Don Goudie. He leaves to mourn his sisters Leah Fiander, June Elliott (Ryburn), Kathleen Ruttgaizer, Beverly Ruttgaizer, Angela McDonald (George); brothers Bernard Ruttgaizer (Kathryn), David Ruttgaizer (Shirley), Wayne Ruttgaizer (Linda) and Paul Ruttgaizer (Jill).
Roger touched the hearts of so many, and also leaves to mourn his brother and sister in-laws: Cecilia Chaisson (Fred), Jeanette Matsumoto, Joe Gallant, Bernice Pitre (Dolor), and Nancy Gallant-Turner (Larry). Predeceased by his parents-in-law Emile & Mary Ellen Gallant, sister in-laws Anita Dougan, Anne-Marie Curley, Doreen Gallant and brother in-laws John Gallant, Maurice Dougan and Gene Curley.
Roger was a caring and loving uncle leaving behind many fond memories to over 40 nieces and nephews.
He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him, including some dear friends of over 40 years, George and Maxine Churchill, Nelson and Maria Chatman, and Levi and Jenny Willcott with whom he enjoyed a great game of cards.
At Roger’s request, cremation has taken place. A private family gathering will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Roger’s memory to JumpStart, jumpstart.canadiantire.ca/pages/donate, a Canadian program that helps kids overcome financial and accessibility barriers to sport and recreation in an effort to provide inclusive play for kids of all abilities.
Messages and condolences may be left for the family at www.tricitycremations.com or 519.772.1237. Please visit Roger’s obituary notice on Facebook.