Dr. Charles Bryant Cattran

After a long and courageous battle with cancer, Charles passed away peacefully at home with his wife and best friend Joyce by his side.

Charles was born in Bowmanville, Ontario, to his parents Charles and Lois. He and his sisters Jane (Dan) and Pam (Chris) had a childhood that shaped his love of sports, the outdoors, and cottaging that would remain with him throughout his life.

A proud father of Charles (Meghan), Jamie (Gabby), and Mike (Lindsay), and cherished stepfather to Daphne (Chris), Chante (Mario) and Roan (Meena), he took immense pride in his grandchildren Tatum, Gavin, Eddy, Ace, Isabelle, Everly, Callie, and Jubilee.

He loved the cottage (“the Cot”) at Heney Lake. Some of his fondest memories were made, sunset kayaks & skiing beneath the stars. It was special time spent with his children and later when they had families of their own. Charles had the pleasure of sharing his love of the cottage with both his children and family he later embraced as his own.

Charles’ motto was Carpe Diem and lived each day doing something he loved. Usually that was an “uneventful” cycle after work or a long ride at the cottage. He enjoyed music and concerts. He was a huge Stones fan and had great taste in classic Blues. He supported the Leafs and the Browns – he was an eternal optimist.

Charles dedicated his professional life to medicine, education, and patient care. After earning his MD from Queen's University in 1976, where he received medals in Ophthalmology and Urology, he completed training in Internal Medicine and Anesthesiology and later pursued respiratory physiology research at Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children. In 1981, he joined the Department of Anesthesiology at the Ottawa Civic Hospital, where he served as Medical Director of the Malignant Hyperthermia Investigation Unit for a decade. As one of the early cardiac anesthesiologists at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute, he helped establish and advance cardiac anesthesia, cardiac critical care, and pediatric cardiac surgical care in Ottawa. His work included contributing to some of Canada's early neonatal heart transplant experiences.

Playing a major role in the development of the Cardiac Surgical Critical Care Program at the Heart Institute, he was a valued lecturer and Clinical Assistant Professor, teaching cardiac anesthesiology, respiratory physiology, mechanical ventilation, pharmacology, and malignant hyperthermia.

Charles was a beloved physician at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute. He believed great patient care was a team effort and deeply respected everyone who contributed to it.

The family extends special thanks to his uncle Dr. Dan Cattran & wife Heather Beanlands, Dr. Mike Bourke, Dr. Phil Hamilton, Dr. Meeka Cattran, Dr. Jonah Brodeur, Dr. Christopher Cipkar, for their exceptional care, support, and friendship.

Charles found great comfort in his extended family of pets – Mabel, Patrick, Bill, Harvey, Gary and Luna. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Ottawa Humane Society.

Love you, Pally. 😍 🐾🐅🐈‍⬛🐈‍⬛🚴‍♂️

A Celebration of Charles' Life will be held at Tubman Funeral Home Garden Chapel, 3440 Richmond Road, on Saturday, September 5, 2026 from 1:00pm to 4:00pm. Please join the family in sharing Words of Remembrance at 2:30pm.