It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Richard Nuttall at the Royal Jubilee Hospital, Victoria, B.C. at the age of 81. After living 12 years with myelodysplastic anemia (MDS) he passed away surrounded by love and good care.
Survived by his wife Jane (nee Pickering) of 43 years, dear father to John (Laura), loving grandfather to Andrew and Zelia, brother to Susan Nuttall, brother-in-law to Marylan Nuttall, Judith Davies and George Pickering, and dearly missed by nieces and nephews, Jim (Kelly), Cathy (Michael), Julie (Stéphan), Sarah (Max), Suzanne (Shelley), Marc (Jyoti), Julie (Pierre), Patrick (Kim), Lindsay, Meredith (Jared), Stephanie, and extended family. Predeceased by parents James and Margaret Nuttall, brother Jim, sister Linda Welstead Lazier and son Lt. Andrew Nuttall.
He will be remembered as a gentle, kind soul, caring and compassionate, devoted and supportive to his family. An avid reader, ever engaged in world and community issues. A respected physician, valued colleague, and mentor to many. He enjoyed being a life-long student, completing numerous degrees, earning his last at the age of 72.
Born and raised in Hamilton, Ontario he went on to graduate from the Ontario Agricultural College, Guelph, Ontario, 1961, specializing in Agricultural Economics. Rick’s interest in agriculture remained strong during his life, weaving throughout his many endeavors. He received an MBA from Harvard University, then went into Canadian Foreign Service where he worked as a diplomat posted to Ghana in 1964. As a young man, this was a treasured and exciting time but the lure of studying medicine led him to the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons in Dublin, Ireland, graduating with the 1974 class. He kept in touch with classmates and was overjoyed to attend the 45th reunion.
Returning to Canada, he worked in Ontario at the Ottawa Civic Hospital and in South River before joining the Medical Services Branch of Health Canada, initially posted to Prince Rupert, B.C. and then Edmonton, AB. At this point, he built a company where he combined and applied his business and medical expertise to a variety of innovative ventures. This was an adventurous time for many years.
For the remainder of his career, which spanned decades, Rick worked in clinical and administrative medicine, for Health Canada in Yellowknife, NWT, in Public Health as Medical Director in Regina, SK, with the Vancouver Island Health Authority, and in Victoria as a General Practitioner on Fairfield Road in Victoria, and Medical Director at Mount St. Mary’s Hospital and Broadmead Lodge. Rick was recognized in his chosen profession and was proud of his initiatives, including bringing medical care to remote, Indigenous and under-serviced communities. He was honoured to receive recognition for Care of the Elderly from the College of Family Physicians of Canada (2016). His medical career spanned 44 years, retiring at age 78.
During these years he completed his Master of Clinical Science, Western University, Fellowship in Family Medicine (F.C.F.P.), Master of Public Health James Cook University, and Master of Agriculture, Colorado State University. In addition, he was a long-time member of the Canadian Public Health Association, and President of the Association in NWT.
After his son’s death serving in Afghanistan, Rick became a vocal advocate for soldiers and veterans, especially in Victoria, where he led the effort to establish the B.C. Afghanistan Memorial.
He enjoyed his work, time and friendships at Cordova Bay United Church. Rick was a dedicated volunteer and supporter of For The Love Of Africa Society, playing a key role in the establishment and operation of a Medical Clinic in Dodoma, Tanzania.
Above all, Rick cherished family the most, often noting pride in his children and beloved wife.
He deeply appreciated the medical staff that cared for him over the years, especially the Royal Jubilee Hospital Medical Day Care Unit. Rick would say he was now a combination of every man and woman after receiving so many blood transfusions.
Donations in his memory can be made to the charity of your choice.
Due to constraints around COVID-19, a private funeral service was held on Thursday, June 3rd, 2021, in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens. Click on the image below to watch the service.
Condolences may be offered to the family at the link below.
McCall Gardens
45 Responses
I am so sorry for your loss.
Dr. Nuttall was the GP for three generations of our family. We all appreciated his intellect, empathy and common-sense approach to the myriad of ailments we would bring to his homey office on Fairfield Road. More often than not, a discussion of one’s physical complaints would somehow lead to a debate about provincial politics. Visits prompted by health concerns would often end with an enjoyable chat and reassurance that all was well. We missed him greatly when he moved on.
Our heartfelt condolences to you, his family, who now must go on without his significant presence. We wish you peace and comfort in knowing how many lives he saved, touched and helped along the way, ours included.
All the best,
Robyn Swanson and Brian Lepine
Dr. Nuttall was one of the first group of physicians involved in a chronic disease management project I supported in 2005. Nine years later, to my delight, we connected again. He was the Medical Coordinator at Glengarry Hospital; I was just starting out as a Nurse Practitioner in long-term care. Without hesitation Rick stepped in to become my mentor and advisor, always supporting the NP role in the clinical setting as well as in committees we both attended. Using common language, he had my back.
To Jane and family: I truly hope all the notes of condolence give you some measure of comfort. Rick was an exceptional human being! A sad loss for so many.
Catherine Ryan
Jane and Family.
Although I have only gotten to know Rick over the last few years, as a result of out interface through The Love of Africa , I could tell immediately upon meeting him he was a man of integrity, courage and innovation. I so enjoyed his thoughtful comments and insights, his wit, his depth and his intellect. A rare person indeed. Filled with compassion for life and all the people he served. He had a servant heart in all the leadership roles he served in. Blessed so many communities with his gift of service and touched countless lives.
Many hugs and much love as you journey through this difficult time as a family.
My deepest sympathies to the Nuttall family. Rick and I were in medical school in Ireland together. I always enjoyed our chats and our friendship. Rick was a “mature medical student” in 1968 but he kept up with us young ones on our nights out and in a way looked after us. We kept in touch via our reunions in Ireland and via e-mail from time to time.
He shall be missed by many no doubt. May he Rest In Peace.
Jane and family
I am so saddened by your loss. He was an amazing man and was an honour to know him. As he is now at peace, I wish you all peace in your memories of this amazing man.
Bless you all.
Dear Jane and Family,
It is with heavy heart that I learn of Rick’s passing and with joy and amazement that I read about a life so well lived; thanks for sharing that with us. His life leaves a message of inspiration for all of us; particularly at For the Love of Africa. Love, prayers and condolences to you all.
Karen
I first met Dr Nuttall at his son’s service in Christ Church Cathedral. This was followed up a few years later when he and others asked me to help out with the Afghan Monument project, in particular, the commemoration ceremony. My impression was of a gentle soul, thoroughly professional in background and demeanour whose intention was to honour his son by honouring all the others who gave their lives in Afghanistan. His calm and wise input during our meetings to bring the project to fruition were inspirational to the rest of us involved. My role was small but with his leadership and guidance, I and others felt welcomed and gratified by the final results — an everlasting tribute to his son and all the other fallen through art and stone. I am so glad I bad the opportunity to assist and especially to work with Dr Nuttall, a gentleman of fine character and persuasive perseverance.
Dear Jane and family,
Please accept my condolences on Rick’s passing. He was a most pleasant, sincere and caring friend and colleague.
We must met up in October of 1968 at the start of our long and happy medical journey. Rick was older than most of us and was thus an important font of wisdom and restraint to his ‘wilder’ younger colleagues and was sought after for his ‘worldly’ advice. He will be fondly remembered by his class mates – the year of ‘74.
I met Rick at our recent 45th reunion and we talked at length about our experiences of recent loss. Your young son Andrew tragically killed whilst serving in Afghanistan and my wife Anne whom Rick knew from our college days. I think it was cathartic for both of us to share those memories.
Whilst you will be grieving now Jane, you and your family can take comfort in the knowledge that Rick’s life was one lived well. He loved and contributed so much to his family, his profession and to the wider society.
At dheis De go raibh a anam.
( May he Rest In Peace.)
I never had the honor of meeting Dr. Nuttall personally, but grateful for his many contributions; especially the Afghanistan Memorial in Victoria. Please accept my heart felt condolences to his wife, family and many friends. My thoughts and prayers are with you. We will Remember Him.
Very sincerely
Diane Maddox