Robert Mervyn Letts, FRCS
1940 - 2023
Dr. Robert Mervyn Letts passed away on Sunday, December 3, 2023. He was a POSNA member for 40 years and POSNA President from 1999 to 2000.
Dr. Letts began university in 1957 with a science program at Brandon College (now University of Brandon), followed by Medical School at the University of Manitoba. On May 21, 1964, he graduated as a Doctor of Medicine and married his wife, Marilyn.
During university, Dr. Letts received financial support through the RCAF officer training program. He then served as a medical officer at the National Defence Medical Centre in Ottawa and was seconded to the United Nations Emergency Force (UNEF), Air Transport Unit 115, in the Sinai Desert from 1966 to 1967. Dr. Letts and his wife then moved to Beirut, where Marilyn worked for UNRWA, providing schools and medical care in Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Gaza.
Returning to Canada, Dr. Letts pursued extensive training in orthopaedic surgery, beginning with an MSc at Queen's University and then fellowship training at the University of Manitoba. He further honed his skills in pediatric orthopaedic surgery at the Hospital for SickKids, University of Toronto. His dedication led him to work and teach at Winnipeg Children's Hospital, eventually becoming Head of Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery and Surgeon-in-Chief, and Chair of the Division of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Manitoba.
In 1989, he was recruited as the Head of the Department of Surgery and Surgeon-in-Chief at the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario. He also served as president of the Canadian Orthopaedic Association. Former students describe Dr. Letts as a legend in the field of orthopedic surgery as an educator, researcher, and innovator.
In 2003, Dr. Letts was hired to establish a pediatric orthopaedic program at Sheikh Khalifa Medical Centre in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Over the next 6 years, he embraced a new environment and culture and explored the region alongside Marilyn. On his return to Ottawa, he served as a consultant, providing clinical, educational, and research advice to hospitals and universities. He joined the Rotary Club of West Ottawa, supporting the Rotary Home for Children in Ottawa and Rotary International's mission to eradicate polio.
Survived by his wife, Marilyn, his sons and daughters-in-law Ian (Shelley), Eric, Daron (Jillian), and grandchildren Baigh, Reverie, Osler, Vyka, Shaeden, Jared, Casey, and Tyche. He is also survived by his brothers Keith (Linda) and Glenn (Carol), and many nieces and nephews. A private family gathering will be held in the spring to celebrate his life. In memory of his commitment to children worldwide, donations may be directed to Save the Children (Canada) or Doctors Without Borders.
