Joseph Bernard Ruttgaizer

December 13, 2024

Home Obituaries Joseph Bernard Ruttgaizer

It is with deepest sorrow that we announce the passing of our husband, father and friend, Joseph Bernard Ruttgaizer, at home and surrounded by family, on December 13th 2024, after a long battle with heart disease.

He leaves behind his beloved wife of 33 years and best friend Kathryn Fuller, as well as his sons from his first marriage, Peter and Anthony.  The first-born son of the late Jack and Dorothy Ruttgaizer, Bernard is predeceased by half-sister Helen Goudie and her husband Don, his sister Cynthia, his brothers Frank and Roger and his brother-in-law Tom Fiander.  He leaves behind his sisters Leah Fiander, June Elliott (Ryburn), Kathleen Ruttgaizer, Beverly Ruttgaizer and Angela McDonald (George) and sister-in-law Theresa and brothers David Ruttgaizer (Shirley), Wayne Ruttgaizer (Linda) and Paul Ruttgaizer (Jill).
A lifelong lover of animals, jazz music, gardening and the outdoors, he raised and trained numerous sled dogs, crafting his own sleds to drive his teams through the snows of Newfoundland and Ontario.  After he and Kathryn retired east to Cape Breton, they built a new home together, near family and good friends.  Here, after a life as a dedicated dog owner, Bernard was adopted by his first cat, Cootie. For the last few years, another orange tabby named Twoee has kept the family company.
At Bernard’s request, he will be cremated with a portion of his ashes to be spread in the waters near his childhood home in Botwood, NL.
In lieu of flowers, Bernard requested that donations be made in his memory to your local SPCA or a charity of your choice.

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I have many fond memories of Bernard. He will always have a special place in my heart. Sending love and sympathy to all.

~ Lori MacPherson

Without doubt, my heart is broken and it is almost impossible to comprehend life without my big brother. A highlight of my life was when he and Kathryn decided to move to Cape Breton after they both retired. They built a beautiful home, next door to my late husband and me overlooking the Bras d’Or Lakes and the four of us, together with our dear friend Liz, enjoyed many wonderful meals, Guy Fox bonfires, Jazz evenings and cocktail hours together. I will miss you, but thankful that you are finally at rest!

~ Leah Fiander

Sincere condolences to Kathy, Anthony and Peter and the extended large family. We will miss Bernard , a great neighbour, friend and for his generosity.

~ Pete and Casey Loveless

Dear Kathy - it is with the most profound sympathy that we send our condolences to you, and to Peter and Anthony on the passing of your husband and the boys dad Bernard. He truly was ‘one of a kind’. Kerry loved our get togethers where Bernard’s viewpoints were so similar to Kerry’s. Interesting discussions to be sure. His strength is to be admired and we will miss having him as our cousin in law. RIP dear Bernard

~ Paula and Kerry Blagrave

Uncle Bern, your love of animals (and specifically sled dogs) have certainly influenced my own. Your avid reading and passion for knowledge have also inspired me greatly in my educational pursuits. All my love is with Kathryn, Peter, Anthony, and the Ruttgaizer family.

~ Ayla

Sending condolences to Kathryn, Peter and Anthony on the passing of my cousin Bernard. May he rest in peace.

~ Paula Taylor

Beautiful tribute. Thinking of Kathryn, Anthony and Peter. RIP Bern💔

~ Kay

With an aching heart, I send my deepest condolences to Kathryn, Peter and Anthony. Bern is at peace now after a long battle with his illness. Bern I will join you in the waters near home when it's time.

~ June

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