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,
SIncere condolences to you and your family in your loss. Rick was a valued medical colleague for many years with a noteworthy career of service in health care and his other areas of interest . He showed remarkable resilience in the face of tragedy and illness. It was an honour and privilege to have such a friend and colleague.
I was saddened to hear this news.
My condolences to all family members.
Rick was a man of many accomplishments.
Dear Jane and family,
Dr. Nuttall was my mother’s doctor and she lived to 99 1/2. As well as being a wonderful medical doctor he had a warmth and compassion that extended to both my mother and myself. On leaving his office you felt uplifted and cared for. My prayers and deepest sympathy are with you as you grieve the loss of this wonderful man.
Eileen Curteis
Dear Jane and family
It was an absolute honour to have known Rick. I cherish the many happy memories we had during our student days. Sadly our contact was lost for many years apart from the odd reunion. I never knew he worked in Regina SK until I read his obituary. I was there for two years in the early eighties. Then, when the 45th reunion took place, there he was as large as life. He was first to contact me and I was delighted to welcome him to my home and workplace. After he returned to Canada it was great to renew our contact including photos of your lovely home.
On behalf of Rosemary and myself please accept our sincerest condolences.
To Dr.Rick Nuttall’s family
As a classmate of Rick at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland,I am saddened to learn of his passing away.
It was no surprise to read that he had done so much humanitarian and academic work after graduation.
His life was a job well done.I am glad I got to see him at our 2019 class reunion.
with deepest sympathy,
Suma Abraham.
Dear Jane And Family,
Our deepest condolences to you at Richard’s passing.I had known him for 52 years from 1969.He was a very compassionate gentleman and very deliberative.I had never seen him angry, real diplomat. He was a devoted father and devastated at Andrew’s unexpected tragedy in Afghanistan .We will surely miss him dearly. When you telephoned me I was shocked at the news since I had just spoken to about 2 weeks previously.
He and I were close since we both did the University of London, MB.BS exam and traveled to London and visited various places there.
The 45th RCSI reunions was very memorable since he wanted to be safe because of his health and requested we stay at the same hotel in the event some unexpected health issue cropped up.
Both you and Rick were very kind to have met Debbie and our 2 daughters at the dock in Victoria on our return cruise from Alaska. We still cherish these moments. Debbie always reminded me to call Rick and send Xmas cards to you.
These friendships never fade and it is etched into our memories. I will miss him forever. Himmet Dajee & Family
Dear Jane and family.
It was with sadness we heard of Rick’s passing. He was such a great and caring person, full of wisdom. One of a kind.
We studied at RCSI from 1968 to 1974, and it was fantastic to meet him again at our 45th. anniversary in 2019.
We will always remember him.
My sincerest condolences to Jane and the whole Nuttall family. Rick and I first met in 1957 when we both were starting university at QAC in Guelph. We classmates soon got to know him as that caring and intelligent man that he was. That he accomplished so much in his lifetime is certainly no surprise. Rick, travel quickly and safely to that good place you are going. We will remember you.
I am so very sorry to hear of Rick’s death and send sincere condolences to you, his family.
Rick and I were fellow “senior” students at RCSI, as well as fellow North Americans. I appreciated his worldview, sense of humor,and balance.
He will be missed.
Michele C Moore, MD
Jacqueline Furlong MacCarthy
I was honoured to meet up again with Rick at the 45th RCSI reunion. He was a valued colleague. My sincere condolences to his family.
With sincere sympathy
Jacqueline Furlong MacCarthy