Peacefully, at age 90, Richard Orville "Al" Hewitt passed away on Monday, November 30, 2009 at the Perley and Rideau Veterans' Health Centre (PRVHC) in Ottawa.

 

Al lived a full life in numerous Canadian cities, including his hometown, Ottawa. He had a love for radio communications, acquired his HAM radio licence at an early age, and was an experienced radio operator for the Merchant Marine during WWII.

 

While working in Montreal, he met Olga Lillian Keenan who he married in August 1945. Olga passed away in August 1979. In October 1981, he married Helen Ferguson who passed away in June 2000.

 

Al had a distinguished 35-year career in radio regulations and marine telecommunications for the federal public service. He retired from the Department of Transport in 1979 after having also worked for the Department of Communications.

 

He was also an avid golfer, not only in retirement, but throughout his life.

 

Al was predeceased by his brother Ralph in 1994. He leaves his son, Kevin Hewitt; siblings, Jean Meabry, Audrey Schryer, and Garry Hewitt; Helen's children, Sandra Ferguson, Janet Ferguson Cook (Brian Cook), Alex Ferguson (Sandy Stone), and Heather Ferguson (David Mitchell), along with Helen's seven grandchildren; and many members of the Hewitt, Keenan, and Ferguson families.

 

Al will be terribly missed and lovingly remembered by all those whose lives he touched with his kind and gentle spirit, his unwavering will to help others, and his gift for finding joy in all aspects of his life. For the many family members who passed through his home, his door was as open as his heart. Words cannot express the depth of gratitude to the caregivers and friends at the PRVHC for their exemplary care and contribution to Al's quality of life.

 

 

A message from Joe ? to Laval Desbiens in December 2009

 

Hi Laval,

I noticed in the Ottawa Citizen Obituary column today, the name of Richard Orville Hewitt - known to his friends and colleagues (and ham radio operators as "Al").

Al was the Superintendent of Radio Regulations under Bill Wilson circa 1970-73. He was Cecil Kenny and George Guy's immediate Supervisor. I believe his immediate supervisor was a Mr. Argue (forgotten his first name) who was the Chief of the Section. Al, like Cecil and George were former RCMP Marine Division Radio Operators and spent a lot of time chasing the rum-runners. Al was a very active amateur all of his life - his call sign was VE3DA.

Al was a wonderful fellow.