Donald Dobson

Dr. Donald Dobson, beloved husband, father, grandfather, physician, and friend, passed away in Victoria, British Columbia, aged 97, after a long life devoted to service, family, and the pursuits he loved. Don is predeceased by his brother, Peter, and his beloved wife, Patricia. He is lovingly remembered by his children, Andy, Nick, Stephen, and Teresa, and by his cherished grandchildren, Ben, Anne, Peter, Sam, and Tom.

Born on 29 May 1928 in Sheffield, England, Don came of age during the Second World War and served in the British Army Educational Corps, an experience that became the foundation for a lifelong commitment to learning and service. Following the war, he pursued medicine at the University of Sheffield, where he met the love of his life, Patricia. Married for nearly 72 years, Don and Pat shared a partnership marked by deep affection, mutual respect, and enduring devotion. The tenderness with which they cared for one another throughout their long life together was an inspiration to all who knew them.

In 1962 they immigrated with their young family to Canada, where Don initially established a family practice in Stettler, Alberta. He later undertook a residency in anaesthesia at the University of Alberta and went on to subspecialize in adult and paediatric open-heart anaesthesia, dedicating himself to the care of some of the most vulnerable patients. Throughout his medical career, up to his retirement in 1993, Don was known for his integrity, quiet competence, and unwavering commitment to excellence. His patients and colleagues alike deeply respected his ethical standards and the compassion he brought to his work.

Beyond his professional life, Don was a man of wide-ranging passions. A devoted lover of music, he played both piano and cello, and was a loyal patron of the performing arts. He engaged daily with cryptic crosswords, read widely, and travelled extensively. Above all, Don found joy and renewal in the outdoors, hiking England’s Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales in his younger years, exploring the Rocky Mountains through his time in Alberta, and walking the hills and coastlines of the Pacific Northwest in retirement. In these endeavours he was almost always joined by Pat: they were ever united as true partners and steadfast teammates.

In all things, Don placed family first. He loved his children and grandchildren deeply and showed them, by example, how to live well and generously in the world. His life was marked by service, curiosity, devotion, and quiet strength. He was profoundly loved and will be held forever in the hearts of his family and friends.

Goodnight, sweet prince, and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest . . .

Condolences may be offered to the family below.

McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com

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