Rolf-Dieter Neu MD

Dieter was born near Nürnberg, in southern Germany, on November 28, 1947, to Johann Adam (Hans) and Erika (Spahn) Neu. As a 4-year-old boy, Dieter emigrated to Canada with his parents and infant brother Bernd, arriving through the port of Montréal. Shortly after their arrival, the family relocated to Ottawa where Dieter spent his childhood. He enjoyed spending time outdoors with his family – camping at Lac Philippe, building rafts, and traveling for family holidays to Florida and Europe. Dieter attended the pre-med program at the University of Ottawa and later transferred to Dalhousie University when the family moved to Halifax. He graduated in 1973 with an MD, and subsequently pursued a year of pediatric residency. In 1975, while attending to a patient at the Halifax Infirmary, Dieter met a young physician named Rosemary White, who he would ultimately call his wife and best friend for nearly 49 years. Dieter established his medical practice in Spryfield, delivering services to the community for 25 years. In the late 1990’s, Dieter relocated his practice with his wife to Quinpool Road, where they worked together as a team for over 14 years. In 2012, due to declining health, Dieter concluded his medical practice after 39 years of service.

Dieter was not only a caring physician, but he was a loving husband and father (“Vati” to his children), and most recently a doting grandfather, “Opa” to Abbigale. He most enjoyed spending time with his family – including tropical vacations, and weekends and summers at the family cottage on the south shore. Dieter was a talented craftsman, having fearlessly taken on many carpentry and plumbing projects, including an intricate gazebo at the cottage which he designed and built after he fell ill. He always had a sparkle in his eye and a true zest for life. He loved to swim, read classic science fiction, play badminton in the driveway, explore the lake by kayak, cruise the cottage roads by UTV, scour the forest floor for coveted chanterelle mushrooms, and discuss ongoing projects and activities across the cottage community.

The last decade saw Dieter endure a challenging illness, yet he approached life with a true sense of optimism, enjoying time with his beloved wife, at the cottage with family and friends, and his miniature schnauzer, Andy.

Dieter is survived by his loving wife, Rosemary; son Michael (Jennifer); daughter Rebecca (Darrin); granddaughter Abbigale; brother Bernd (Susan); brother-in-law John (Marilee), numerous nieces and nephews; and his four-legged companion Andy. He was pre-deceased by his parents, Hans and Erika Neu.

Heartfelt thanks to Dr. Frank Doane and the Victoria General Palliative Care team for their professional and compassionate care. At his request, there will be no funeral service, but a celebration of life well-lived. To commemorate Dieter, in memoriam donations to Parkinson’s Canada (https://www.parkinson.ca/) or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada (https://www.bloodcancers.ca/), would be sincerely appreciated.