Wonderful family man; compassionate and insightful physician; musician; sailor; bridge player; runner; curler; skier; hiker; cyclist; woodcarver; gardener: a gentleman with a clever sense of humour and boundless curiosity.
Don died peacefully on Friday, February 1, 2019 at the Comox Valley Hospital surrounded by family. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 63 years, Mary Louise; their four children, Susan and her children Meghan (Roland Kerr) and their children Isobel and Aubrey, and Alison (Sam Schafhauser), Andrea (and her children with Clive Gammon) Bryce, Trent, and Lindsay, Barbara (Blair MacLean) and their children Erika, Janna and Colin, and Graham (Caroline Berka) and their children Sophia, Katrina and Mira, as well as extended family.
Don and Mary Lou were born and raised in Edmonton, and married in May 1955 right after they both graduated from the University of Alberta. They settled first in Barrhead, Alberta, where Don started his career in the era before universal healthcare. From 1959-1960 they lived in Bristol, England, and Don pursued further medical training. On their return to Canada he joined a family practice in Kimberley, B.C., initially intending to stay for a short time, but became rooted for 18 years due to the marvelous friends, community and outdoor life. In 1971, Don arranged for a unique and memorable one-year exchange to Bowral, Australia. In 1978, the family moved to North Vancouver, where Don brought the skills, values and compassion of a small community GP to urban practice. After he retired from full-time work in 1995, he and Mary Lou relocated to the Comox Valley. Don continued to do some locums and they both became involved in Probus, bridge and an active outdoor and family life.
A Reception to honour Donald’s life will be held on Friday, February 22, 2019 from 3 – 5 pm at the Kingfisher Resort (4330 Island Hwy S, Courtenay, BC). Heartfelt thanks to all the people who helped care for him in the last year of his life.
Please join us in remembering Don by visiting our memorial at www.piercysmtwashingtonfuneral.com. Memorial donations to Friends of Rails to Trails Vancouver Island or a charity of your choice would be appreciated.
