Dr. Wesley Frederick Woychuk

Born in Victoria, British Columbia

With love & deep sadness, we announce the passing of Dr. Wesley Woychuk, who died peacefully at Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria, surrounded by family, following a courageous journey with Alzheimer’s disease.

Wes leaves behind his three beloved sons- Lucas, Samuel, & Sebastian Woychuk – who were the greatest joy & pride of his life.

Born to Wilfred & Therese Woychuk, Wes was raised in Victoria & graduated from Mount Douglas Secondary School.  From an early age, he was actively involved in sports, playing rep hockey with the Saanich Braves & competing in lacrosse.  Wes was also a gifted musician, playing the piano, violin, upright bass, & guitar.  His love of music brought him joy & connection throughout his life.

Wes attended medical school at UBC, where he also played varsity hockey for the Thunderbirds.  He returned to Victoria for his internship at the RJH, where he was awarded the Silver Medal in Obstetrics.  Wes later moved to Kelowna, beginning a distinguished 35-year career as an emergency room physician at Kelowna General Hospital.

Dr. Wes was widely respected by colleagues & deeply appreciated by patients for his compassion, humility & unwavering kindness-especially toward those less fortunate.  Easy on the eyes & naturally charming, Wes had a charismatic personality that drew people in.  He loved connecting with others & made people feel seen and at ease.  Beneath that bright presence was a gentle kindness & deep love of helping others-qualities that made him perfectly suited to the profession he chose.

A passionate sports enthusiast, Wes continued playing hockey throughout his medical career with the Kelowna Doctors Hockey team, maintaining lifelong friendships & a deep love for the game.  He was also frequently called upon to serve as an attending physician, toured Europe with the Canadian Olympic Freestyle ski team, was a regular “ski doc” at Big White, “Hock Doc” for the Kelowna Rockets & finally a “rock doc” for visiting musicians.

Despite a successful & fulfilling medical career, Wes’s greatest happiness came from being a father. He cherished raising his three sons & building a family with his former wife, Kim (Chapman).  Wes loved being active with his boys-whether playing basketball, football, tennis, or simply having them nearby during his gym workouts.  He believed deeply in the power of fitness & movement & remained committed to staying active until the very end.

Wes lived life in two distinct rhythms: boldly on the edge & quietly reflective with a strong, spiritual core. Those who knew him best understood this balance & loved him all the more for it.

Although his final chapter – an unexpected diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease -was profoundly challenging, Wes was determined to live fully & with dignity.  His family is deeply grateful to Wes’s best friend, Dr. Paul Linden whose 40-year friendship & unwavering presence through this devastating illness exemplified extraordinary loyalty & kindness.

Wes was also blessed to be surrounded by an exceptional care team whose compassion made a lasting difference: Lynn, Cynthia, Yolanda, Annie, Simon & Della.

Thank you, brother, for all that you were.

A Celebration of Wes’s Life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alzheimer’s society.

Condolences may be offered to the family below.

McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com

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