We remember Dana on this day, and always.

One year ago was a very sad time.  But you are definitely NOT forgotten, Dana!

One year ago was a very sad time.    But you are definitely NOT forgotten, Dana!

I met Dana through Lou,a very dear friend.
I miss Dana , as he was so genuine , as well as his wife Lou.We always looked forward to getting together again ,he always had such compassion ,love for animals,words of encouragement, wisdom,and is so missed.
He was real.I am so sorry Lou for your loss,such a dedicated wife,such a lovely husband.He made a great impact in the short period I knew him, on the way I viewed life.
Love you Lou,sincere condolences for the loss of your soulmate.

Dana. You are missed with your crazy hats and your one of a kind personality.  We loved you dearly old friend. Mary Lynne Stewart and Neil St. John

Good Morning Lou-anne!

I still miss "Hi sparky".   It was always a greeting that made me feel very welcome and I knew we were in for some good discussions (lol).

I know from experience that this will be a very hard day for you and the only comfort I can give you is what was given to me.  Better to have had him in your life for the time allowed than not at all.  Loving is painful but it is worth every minute of it.  It is what makes us human.
All my love to you today.  

Linda

A few years back Lou-Anne and I reconnected. I’ve known Lou-Anne since high school. It was just before the pandemic so it was really hard for us all to get together but we all managed to get together at our family cottage in Bayfield. Dana and Lou-Anne would stay for the day. We’d sit by the pool and later have a barbeque. Dana had a lot in common with my husband Dave, they were both CMA‘s and they both loved to play the guitar and had many conversations on many topics. They were at our cottage several times and we were at their new home in London.  They were making it their little retirement home and fixing it up just right. We looked forward to future gatherings but unfortunately it was cut short with Dana falling terminally ill. We won’t forget you Dana and it was nice getting to know you. Dave & Patty

My sincerest condolences to Lou-Anne, their family and friends.

Dana was a kind person, a friend and advisor. He always had the coffee on, and a story at the ready.
I was fortunate to know him and Lou Anne since Emmett was a puppy. He pursued the betterment of himself and those around him right up until he left. 

I dearly miss him.

Sincere condolences to the family and loved ones.
Dana will be remembered for his kindness and willingness to pass on his knowledge to his fellow Toastmasters.  We will keep him in our memories at our meetings.

Dana, you were an incredible beacon of light in my life and my family’s. I will miss your humour and love which always filled all the rooms you came into. Thank you for introducing me to guitar when I was 13, and for always wearing your fun hats. I will always miss you and your energy- lots of love to you and your family.We will meet again. 

Much love,
Emma

When Dana and Lou Anne moved to London, it was wonderful to have new, kind neighbours next door. We had many a golf game with Dana, watching him chase his skyrocketing drive to another fairway. Hear him yell "Pro side!" while putting.

Lots of fun to be around, and a wealth of knowledge. Listening to him on his guitar or see him sipping a drink, smoking a cigar and reading a great book on the porch or in the backyard with Emmett on his lap. BBQ's in the yard, and the chit chats in the driveway. His pats to Dyson when he saw him lying in the yard that wasn't his ;).

(Picture is of my mom and dad- Gary and Linda, chilling with Dana, Lou Anne and Emmett in our yard for a BBQ)

Sad that he was taken early, as he had many more years of love and friendship to give. He will be missed, and our hearts go out to Lou Anne, and Dana's family.

Rick and Christine Higgins

My heart hurts.  My best friend lost her best friend.  Dana was many things to many people.  He was given the task of helping others leave this world.  He was a loving man to Lou-Anne's Mother, Helen and to Uncle Jim, his mother, Irene, brother Dale and to his father, Bob.  He always spoke of his children, Carmen (Jordan, Anita & Eileen) and Chris and was proud of them.
He always tried to be a better man and he shared his knowledge graciously.  He loved to work out at the gym, play his guitar and read a good book.  He was most comfortable with friends and family enjoying a meal and conversation.  
RIP my dear friend.  I am honoured to have had you in my life and will remember the good times.
Becky D.


A good guy and a decent man. Will miss his company. 

A kind, open and sincere soul, Dana was a valued, cherished member of Toronto #1 Toastmasters Club. Whether in his role as a member of the executive or as participant in the weekly meetings, with intensity and determination he gave himself whole heartedly to the challenge at hand. Dana, thank you for the memories. May your soul now be at peace. 

My condolences to his family and dearest friends.

Dana and I met during my time at Toronto #1 Toastmasters. We had amazing conversations on just about every topic imaginable. He was a tough judge of my speeches (well, he was tough on everyone... :) ). But, it was in kindness and a desire for our growth. He had wisdom to pass along. 

He will be missed. However, he has left an indelible and positive mark on the community around him.

Chuck Seguin

I remember the first time I met Dana was at their wedding rehearsal the night before. I had heard so much about him (of course), but i remember thinking; This guy even LOOKS like Lou-Anne! --blushing red dimpled cheeks as he grinned from ear to ear & I remember thinking how lucky they were to have found each other.
 I had the honor of recording their wedding for them & to this very day, I have never witnessed a more spiritual and loving union. 
I know in my heart that death only separates us in body, never in soul & I know he will forever look out & after her, his children & grandchildren, while we all do our best to assist him. 
He wouldn't want anything less. 
My love, thoughts & prayers are with you all. xo 

Dana was a man with many talents, including that of being a great and loyal friend. Together and with others, we played more golf games and shared more laughter than I could ever recount. Dana could be outrageously funny sometimes and at other times show such heartfelt and quiet compassion to those in need that it left a deep and lasting impression on all of his friends. He was a great buddy too for thoughtful conversations about life and faith. The times that Lou-Anne, Pamela, Dana and I spent together were wonderful.  I can just imagine Dana up in heaven this moment, teaching the angels how to drive a golf ball 360 yards - but each time they swing at the ball they miss because they are so busy laughing at one of Dana's funny remarks. 

So saddened by Dana's passing.  He was a vibrant man with a lively sense of humor, yet also perceptive and kind.   I remember fondly the time when Dana, Lou-Anne, Martin, and I went to the Elvis festival in Collingwood. Such a fun occasion!   I was always touched by Dana's kindness towards animals, in particular with the special bond he shared with little Emmett.   Dana, you are not on earth any longer, but you are definitely not forgotten!

Although Dana is not aware, he helped set my path with the Lord. I had come back from a trip to Israel which changed my life. I felt a calling from the Lord to change my path in life and the way I worshipped Him. Dana guided me to where I worship to this day. He understood where the Lord was leading me and the Lord used Dana to guide me. 
I met Dana at the Anglican Church I was attending.  It truly was a Blessing to meet Dana, as he truly, unknowingly to him, changed my life and my relationship with God, which I still walk to this day 14yrs later.

Met Dana in 2015, Lou prior in Cuba.
Both came to visit us in West Kelowna BC, summertime,Sat out on back patio Frank wine, told stories , when for a swim in the pool ate appies,, was such a great visit.I had a dog named Peanut at the time and she really took to Dana.As well as Kou just Peanut was mainly a man’s dog. Well they became buddies . So unfortunately the visit had to end,lots of hugs ,come back anytime. Well I get a call saying we are thinking of getting a dog kinda like peanut. Lo and behold Emmett came home as thier fur baby looking very similar to Peanut. That’s what I loved about Dana his live for animals just shoes really what kind of person he was.Intersting , attentive when you spoke with him,just super easy going. I love ya my friend was so hoping for both to come again for a visit. Give Peanut a pat from us.

Many good times in Orillia when Dana and Lou were up to visit. Dana laughed watching Lou on the back of my motorcycle holding on for dear life. Great memories last forever 

Dear Lou & family  - Sorry for your loss.  Roxy

Very sorry to hear this news. My condolences to the families. Dana was at Toronto #1 Toastmasters with me a few years ago. He brought a great spirit and energy with him. He would evaluate my speeches and dare me to be better. He was the elder statesman of the club. He will be missed. 

I will certainly miss that greeting everytime I visited.  "Hi Sparky".
and all our conversations that were certainly hot and interesting.   I am the new kid on the block for the Ruttkay family, but their many many kindnesses shown to me over the last 5 or so years will never be forgotten.  It was always great to see Dana and spend time with him.  So many stories that were really quite full of fun and laughter and too many to print here.  Goodbye my friend, I will miss you for sure.
Linda Hall



Dear Lou-Anne
So sorry to hear of Dana's passing.
I am thinking of you in this very sad time.

Dana. We will sorely miss him. We loved him dearly 
 He was one of a kind. Passionate  and compassionate.  Our thoughts and prayers are with Lou Anne and Carmen and the family.  

Dear Lou, Carmen and family.

Another branch has fallen from the Ruttkay  family tree.

Dana fought the good fight but God had other plans and he’s now in the arms of the angels.

You are forever in my heart dear cousin. I will never forget you.

Till we meet again.

Frances



Dear Lou-Anne, Carmen and family,

We are so saddened by the news of Dana passing. 

He was such a kind, gentle and lovable man, and our sense of loss is deep.  

Even though there are miles between us, Jim and I always felt he was our closest cousin.  We feel blessed that we did have several visits, get togethers, phone calls and emails over these years.  Much laughter and wonderful moments which provide good memories for us to reflect upon.   

We hope that your own treasured memories allow you to celebrate his life and help you to manage in the days ahead.

Bless you Dana.  RIP hon.

Love Leslie and Jim xxx  

OBITUARY

Dana Robert Ruttkay

13 June, 1952 – 19 January, 2023

Andrews Community Funeral Centre - Bramalea Chapel

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services