Donald Harry Bitter, Q.C.

I just learned of Donald’s passing today. I met Donald in the late 90’s through a friend. I learned a lot through him. He loved jazz music and I learned to like Didi Bridgewater through him. He always had a story to tell. His sick sense of humor matched mine. He introduced me to Gilbert Gottfreid and had me listen to a comedy album that was absolutely filthy and absurd, all the while he was tearing up with laughter at the sheer ridiculousness of the story. It was the same three props, a plumber and two other things and different comedians made up a story about the props. It was called The Aristocrats and was one of the funniest things I ever heard. I worked for Donald on a part time basis at his Gerard Street office. Even some of his clients became personal friends and part of his life. Oh, and his grandson, Connor. I met Donald when Connor was about 5 or 6. Oh, how he’d go on about that kid. He truly loved him. I went with him to celebrate his son’s partnership in a restaurant called Thirteen. I remembered that the scalloped potatoes had a hint of nutmeg in them and his son was impressed that I caught that. What can I say? I enjoy cooking. I lost touch with Donald a few years after I moved to the US in 2011. Rest In Peace Donald. You were a curmudgeon when I met you but you still had heart.

I was saddened to see Donald’s obit today. I enjoyed talking with Donald in the courthouses for many years. He had great stories and compassion for his clients. We had a couple of cases together and he served his clients very well. My sincerest condolences to his family.