June 20, 2024
Councillor Kelly's Statement on Passing of Dr. Roland Armitage:
It is with great sadness that I learned of the passing of a West Carleton institution, Dr. Roland Armitage. Roly, as he was affectionately known by those in the current Ward 5 and the former West Carleton Township, where he served as Mayor from 1991-1994, was many things to many people.
He was a soldier who served in Normandy in WWII. He was a veterinarian who served the people of this area for many years. He was a horse breeder and racer who was inducted into the Builders category of the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame in 1999. He was a husband and father and a source of pride that the West Carleton community could always look to for some history or guidance.
I recently had the good fortune to meet with Dr. Armitage for the first time and am so happy that I managed to get the chance to connect with him before the conclusion of his amazing life. Daily, as I walk into the West Carleton Community Complex and pass by the former Township Council chambers that bear his name, I am reminded of what his leadership meant to this community.
My condolences go out to his family and friends in this sombre moment as we all reflect on 99 years well lived.
City of Ottawa Statement, July 12, 2024
The flags at the West Carleton Community Complex (5670 Carp Road) will be lowered to half-mast from sunrise to sunset on Saturday, July 13 in honour of the late Dr. Roland (Roly) Armitage, who passed away on Wednesday, June 19.
Dr. Armitage was a decorated Second World War veteran, accomplished veterinarian and influential community leader. As a member of the 3rd Medium Regiment of the Royal Canadian Artillery, he took part in the Normandy invasion and the liberation of France and was part of the second wave to land on Juno Beach.
After the war, Dr. Armitage enjoyed a long and successful career as a veterinarian and horse trainer. He was general manager of Rideau Carleton Raceway from 1981 to 1990 and was named to the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame (1999) and the Ottawa Sport Hall of Fame (2000). He served as mayor of West Carleton Township from 1991 to 1994. He also served on the council for the Regional Municipality of Ottawa-Carleton.
He was named Veterinarian of the Year by the Ontario Veterinary Association (1982) and awarded the Queen’s Jubilee Medal (2000), Key to the City of Ottawa (2005), Order of Ottawa (2019) and Order of Ontario (2021). In 2011, in recognition of his many accomplishments, the hall at the West Carleton Community Complex was renamed the Dr. Roland Armitage Hall.
A celebration of life will take place at the Highland Park Funeral Home in Carp on Saturday, July 13 from 1 to 4 pm.