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
Dear Jane and family,
Please accept our sincere condolences on the loss of your husband, father and grandfather. He was certainly a very well accomplished man, thank you for sharing a glimpse into his life. He sounded like a wonderful person who made everyone he encountered lives better for having known him. I wish I could have got to know him but I heard from Judy what an incredible person he was.
Sincerely,
Sheila (Jeffrey)and Roy Sheppard and Joyce Jeffrey
Hammonds Plains NS
So sorry to hear of Rick’s death. We were colleagues together at R.C.S.I. and he was a kind and supportive fellow student with a wry sense of humor.
My condolences on your loss because Rick often talked at reunions of how important his family life was.
My condolences to Jane and family on their loss. I knew Dr Nuttall in the late 70’s when we both worked for the Medical Services Branch in Prince Rupert. I have never forgotten the kindness and respect he showed me and all those that worked under his leadership. I had always hoped to one day see him again so when I heard of Andrews passing I attended his repatriation in Toronto on that blistering cold December night. Unfortunately I was not able to personally convey my condolences to Rick and Jane. Blessings from Ron Goulet/Barbara Barrett
Our sincere condolences to you Jane, and your family. BetteJo Hughes and Bill Phelan
Dear Jane and family,
Please know you are in my thoughts. I was fortunate to be able to travel to Tanzania with Rick on several FTLOA trips. He was so kind and brought a sense of calmness to each team but wasn’t afraid to speak his mind and let us know what he thought. His was a life well lived and the world is a better place because he was here. His memory lives on in all those lives he touched around the world.
Hugs,
Janice
Dear Jane and family,
Our deepest sympathy to you all on Rick’s passing.
The loss of a friend is a great sadness, but the loss of a spouse and a father can only be felt by those directly affected.
Rick was a very dear friend of ours during our time studying Medicine at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, and it was always so enjoyable to meet with him again at the College Reunions over the years. Canada was his first love and he made a major contribution to shaping Medical and Social Services there.
We will remember him as a truly ‘Great Guy’.
We look forward to sharing with you the celebration of Ricks life at the funeral service.
Rosaleen and Brendan
Distance and time may separate us, but memories of a good friend never fade.
“Suaimhneas”
Tranquility
Dear Jane, and all of your family,
My deepest sympathies to you all. I was so saddened to read of Rick’s passing. He was a dear soul and I valued his support and opinions when we worked at Broadmead Care. My heart hurts for you all.
May Gods blessings support and carry you through this.
With much love,
Rev. Cathy Victor
Dear Jane,
Please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of Rick. Such a nice considerate man. He had gone to Selkirk to visit Bill and unfortunately Bill only realized after he left who Rick was.
Fond memories,
Francine Marshall
Jane, Judy and Family
I had always heard amazing stories about Rick from Judy and her girls. I am overwhelmed by all I learned from reading his obituary. He was a remarkable man with an extensive career. He would have made a huge impact on so many people. There are now words to help the sorrow you feel. Thank you for sharing Rick’s story. Sending sincere condolences.
Carrie
Dear Jane and Family
I am very saddened by the passing away of our beloved friend. He was an amazing man and shall be missed by many. My deepest sympathies to you all. My Family will pray for you. AMEN.