Roly Armitage Obituary, Former West Carleton Mayor has died; Ottawa’s ‘most interesting man’ credits kindness for nearly a century of service.
Dr. Roland M. Armitage, affectionately known as “Roly” to friends and family, lives in a home adorned with numerous awards and accolades, a testament to a life dedicated to service and compassion. Recently, at the age of 98, he was honored with a lifetime achievement award from the Ottawa Executive Association.
Armitage’s journey of giving back began early. At 17, he impulsively joined the army with a high school friend, a decision that led him to serve with the Royal Canadian Artillery during World War II. He participated in the Normandy invasion and the liberation of France, marking the start of his lifelong commitment to service.
After the war, Armitage attended the Ontario Veterinary College, graduating in 1951. His passion for horses shaped much of his career. He bred and raced horses, served as a track veterinarian at Connaught Park Racetrack, and held leadership roles in the Canadian Standardbred Horse Society and the Canadian Trotting Association. He also managed the Rideau Carleton Raceway for nine years and was inducted into the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame in 1999.
Armitage’s contributions extended beyond veterinary medicine. He ran as a Liberal candidate in the Ontario riding of Carleton in 1987 and served as mayor of West Carleton Township from 1991 to 1994. He also served on the council for the Regional Municipality of Ottawa-Carleton and authored three books about his life and experiences.
In recognition of his extensive community and public service, Armitage received the key to the city of Ottawa in 2009. Two years later, the hall at the West Carleton community complex was renamed the Dr. Roland Armitage Hall.
Despite his many accomplishments, Armitage remains humble. “What is there to say about me? I am a normal person,” he insists. Yet, many, including former Ottawa mayor Jim Watson, former councillor Eli El-Chantiry, and former Canadian chief of the defense staff Walter Natynczyk, have likened him to the most interesting man in the world.
Armitage believes in the power of kindness. “Always try to help people and you get amazing numbers back. You get far more back than you give, especially when it comes to kindness towards others,” he says.
As he looks forward to celebrating his 100th birthday on February 8, 2025, Armitage does so with the same smile and humility that have endeared him to many, fully deserving of his title as Ottawa’s most interesting man.
