Charles "Lionel" Gittens

Charles Lionel Gittens—known to most as Lionel—was born in Barbados, West Indies, on September 21, 1937, and passed away in Vancouver, BC, on September 10, 2025. Lionel immigrated to British Columbia in 1977 to marry the late Ometa Gittens (née Legall), who passed away in Vancouver on November 9, 2019.

Lionel enjoyed cooking and was well known for his famous cabbage rolls, which he often prepared for the many community functions he attended with Ometa. His “sweet bread,” or coconut bread, was also cherished by family and friends alike. Lionel’s greatest passion, however, was gardening. He had a true green thumb—every plant he touched flourished, whether it was a fig tree, roses, mint, or plums, just to name a few.

In the later years of his life, Lionel developed a special bond with the ravens he had fed for many years. The devoted raven parents would bring their chicks to Lionel’s back door twice daily, tapping until he appeared with food. There was a genuine, mutual affection between man and animal.

Lionel spent the last two years of his life at Broadway Lodge, where he was loved and well cared for by the many compassionate staff members. The chaplain at Broadway Lodge officiated a “Celebration of Life” for Lionel and others who passed in September 2025. The auditorium was full, with eulogies, stories, and songs—some mournful, others uplifting. Lionel’s cremated remains now rest alongside those of his beloved wife, Ometa, in their Forever Together double urn.

Lionel is mourned by his son, Charles Finbar Joseph of Barbados, WI; his brothers Gerson Gittens of Windsor, Ontario, and Winston Gittens of Barbados, WI; his sister Mitchell Carrington and cousin Sandra Hermit of the UK; all their respective families and offspring; and his sister-in-law Velna Clarke of Vancouver, BC. An honorable mention is also extended to the Barbados Cultural Association of BC for their heartfelt expression of condolences to Lionel’s family.

May Charles Lionel Gittens Rest in Peace.