It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Digby. After an inspirational nine year battle with cancer, Digby died peacefully on Tuesday, October 4, 2011 in Victoria, British Columbia. Predeceased by his wife, Jean, in 1990; Digby is survived by his children, Christopher, Sean (Barbara) and Tamara (Kent); his grandchildren, Stephen, Ryan and Emma Clarke and Aya and Koen Laforme; brother-in-law Ian McGowan and sister-in-law Carolyn and their children John (Cathy) and Heather (Steve). Digby was a true believer in the power of education. Upon the devastating loss of his beloved Jean, Digby walked away from a successful career as a lawyer in Montreal to pursue an MA degree in Counseling at the Adler School of Professional Psychology, in Chicago. Digby then devoted his energies to the formal study of grief and loss and earned his doctorate in Thanatology. Forever committed to assisting others, Digby worked as a clinical counsellor in Victoria at BCFIT (BC Families in Transition) until the age of 80. Digby enjoyed the art of public speaking and was a Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) and active member of the Oak Bay Toastmasters Club. He also had a life-long passion for cars and was a proud member of the Victoria Jaguar Club. Digby’s vigour, enthusiasm and engaging optimism touched the lives of many people. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all those who knew and loved him.
A Celebration of Digby’s life will be held in MCCALL BROS. FLORAL CHAPEL, Johnson at Vancouver Streets, on Tuesday, October 11, 2011 at 12:30 pm, with Rev. Dr. Victor Scalise officiating. A reception will follow in the McCall’s Family Centre. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Victoria Hospice & Palliative Care Foundation, 1510 Fort Street Victoria, BC V8S 5J2. Condolences for the family may be offered at www.mccallbros.com
25 Responses
Tammy, Chris, Sean.
I know that words cannot replace, they cannot sooth right now, they will not adequately describe what a person was. Who they were for you. What need was fed. If only there were more to offer. I found your dad infinitely patient with my incessantly ignorant questions and suggestions. He was classy and wise. Brave and honest. He took time for people. He was an integral part of family gatherings, a type of light, that helped you see those around you with clarity. He made you feel like you actually had something to say, made you feel special, a gift not shared by many. I felt smarter when I talked with him. I felt privileged to know him and heartened to know the world will benefit for generations to come, because of his influence. It is always hardest for those left behind, left to reconstruct their lives, but he will never truly be gone. He lives on in the love and wisdom he shared with all of us, but no where more than with his family. I am truly sorry for your loss. Love Kat and Mark Russell
An Indian Prayer (Part V)
Great Life giving Spirit,
I face the West,
the direction of the sun down.
Let me remember every day,
that the moment will come,
when my sun will go down. Never let me forget,
that I must fade into you. Give me beautiful colour.
Give me a great sky for setting….
I regret that I am unable to attend Digby’s memorial service today. Recently, thoughts of an old friend led to midnight inspiration, and although mere words can never be enough, I offer the following, poem:
Digby
debonair
indefatigable
lover of souls
and fast cars
man among men
portal of words
immortal
dazzling smile
sparkling wit
sartorial style
undiminished
an ideal world …
you are in it.
Love to you and yours, Tamara
Hello Tamara, Kent, Aya & Koen,
We only knew Digby for a short time but his dedication to learning and making the most of every day were an inspiration.
We wish you and your family the comfort of friends and loved ones at this time and in the days ahead.
Our thoughts are with you.
Colleen & Richard
To Digby’s family
I was saddened to read of Digby’s passing. He was a helpful and sympathetic colleague when we practiced law together in Montreal and I have fond memories of that time. My deepest sympathy to his children and the rest of his family.
Joyce Blond Frank
Digby was such a survivor it is hard to imagine him no longer in physical form. I remember many long talks with him about spirituality. He saw life and humans as energy, and he wanted to live to the last drop. I know he did…
I just returned from a week’s retreat with Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh (Tha’y), and am only just getting to my emails. However, during one morning’s presentation, as the beloved Tha’y was talking, I saw Digby’s face imposed on his. Tha’ys shaved head was white haired, and he looked like Digby. I had the sense that there was a big shift here on earth.
Digby had a brilliant mind, a courageous heart, and an outrageous sense of humor. He loved to debate and push the envelope. He was a phenomenal cook and gardener and appreciated the finer things in life, especially when they came with four wheels! My kids are still telling stories about how he would park his car at the farthest corner of a parking lot in order to protect it from dents!
His passion for learning knew no limits, and he was devoted to helping others. Many benefited from his wisdom and caring. His email address said it all -‘digcare.’
He has made footprints on my heart. He was one of a kind and I miss him.
My heart is with all of you, and I send you my love,
Penelope
It is always sad to lose a legal classmate at any time but it is particularly difficult in Digby’s case.
He was the consummate Renaissance Man. All the good qualities one would wish in a person were embodied in him.
He will be missed.
Dan J. Sullivan, QC
Westmount, QC
We met Digby in 2008 as the father (and father-in-law) of three of the kindest people we’ve ever met, Chris, Tammy and Kent. It was clear then, (and even more so now from reading these comments) that his kids are a reflection of a truly unique and compassionate personality. We feel privileged to have known him and grieve the passing of such a bright spirit, but cherish the legacy he left behind.
Dear Tamara and Family
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Digby was a dear friend. When he came for his hair to be done it was always a great adventure. We talked and laughed about so many different subjects. He always made my day every time he came in. He often talked very fondly of his family . I will truly miss him and he will remain in my heart forever.
Love from his friend
Shirly (hairdresser)
In 1992, Digby and I met during our first course in Adlerian therapy. During the break, I offered to share my sandwich with him. He was touched and asked me why I would offer him my lunch even though we were strangers. I explained that in our tradition, we always offer to share our food with others before we start eating. This marked the beginning of a long lasting friendship. Digby and I had great times as students and as colleagues but I cherish Digby most of all for being a very special and inspirational person. His goal is to bring hope, faith, and love to all those who are suffering and grieving. His source of happiness was seeing others recovering from their loss. He was like a role model for overcoming obstacles and I still look up to him whenever I am in difficulty. Adler says that life is movement and death itself is another form of movement. Digby in his life and in his death is perpetual movement. Therefore, for all those who knew him, Digby will remain inspirational.
Tamara, Sean, Christopher, please accept my condolences for your loss. Digby was a great father and human being and will be missed.
Dear Tamara and Kent and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Digby was one of my favourite clients. What an individual! He was so strong in dealing with his cancer and tinnitis. He always made me laugh. He will be sorely missed.
Love, Ian Clayton.