On August 3, 2022 Kiri passed away peacefully in her husband Eric’s loving arms at their home. She was 64 years old.
Kiri made each day count during her 24 month journey with Glioblastoma. Her health declined quickly in the last few days and now the struggle is over.
The love and support from all of you who helped us along the way gave both of us so much strength and encouragement to continue each day walking side by side in this emotional and physical battle.
Many thanks to all of the special people in the medical field who knew and helped guide Kiri. A special thanks to Dr. Andrew Attwell at BC Cancer Clinic in Victoria BC and to Dr. Stefanie Green who was right beside us during the most meaningful and difficult moments of Kiri’s life. Thank you.
Kiri Simms was a caring and highly regarded doctor in the speciality of Psychiatry and she practiced in Montreal, Quebec and Victoria, BC.
As well as her husband Eric, she will be dearly missed by her loving daughter Sarah and extended family, Robyn and Korey, Lucas and Liam, Taylor and Shannah.
Our love was pure and strong and it will continue wherever you are. We love you Kiri.
A Celebration of Life will be held at in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC on Sunday September 25, 2022, at 2:00pm
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
http://www.mccallgardens.com
34 Responses
I opened her office door and realized it was not an office, it was a safe, loving, compassionate room that was made brighter by a lady who was more than a professional Physician. She invited me into a world of knowledge that led me to believe I was a member of a fortunate group known as a patient. She made me feel like a long lost friend. Thank you Dr. Simms for helping me through a troubled time. A true blessing on this earth. My condolences to all who loved her.
Kiri was am amazing balance of compassion, intelligence, spirit and laughter. I was fortunate enough to work alongside her for many years in our mental health system, and always appreciated her presence in the workplace, as she just made things better in so many ways. Her knowledge of substance use and neuropsychiatry was unmatched, as was her warm and genuine nature. She was a gem and will be missed by so many.
Kiri,
We miss you so much.
You welcomed us to this country. You were a supportive, kind, and inspiring mentor; to me and so many others.
You were a great friend and we enjoyed so many memorable times with you. It was impossible to run out of conversation.
You showed such bravery and strength. You will continue to inspire so many.
Our thoughts are with Eric, Sarah and all your family and friends.
There’s so much to celebrate Kiri. Your legacy lives on in so many ways. It was an honour and a privilege my friend.
Lots of love,
Bryony, Charlie, Rory and Nina
About my very dear friend Kiri Simms.
I met Kiri in Montreal in the mid 1990’s at a Halloween Party at my friend’s Marc. She was a resident in psychiatric medicine at McGill. Our conversation just took off rapidly, and almost immediately we became inseparable friends.
I also became good pal with Sarah, Kiri’s daughter. Every Saturday morning, I would call at 10:30 AM to discuss with Sarah the latest episode of the cartoon Aladdin that played at 10 AM. Kiri and I often talked about her daughter Sarah, and how much I admire her strength and her great humanity. I wish her all the strengths possible through this difficult and sad period.
Kiri and I did many things, often impulsively and without much planning. When Oliver Sachs gave a talk at McGill she invited me to met him backstage. She flew with me to San Francisco when I gave a seminar at UCSF, and during the dinner with our guest, she realized that he had grown up playing with the children of the famous psychoanalyst Bruno Bettelheim, which led to an absolutely fascinating conversation. We hiked mountains around Montreal; we biked around the l’île d’Orleans near Quebec City; we went to many concerts. We also saw many movies, often in the most unusual places. But going to a movie was not just going to see the movie—it was always followed by a far-reaching discussion of all the psychological aspects and motivations of the characters. All this, with multiple laughs and tears, emotion being always an essential part of our interactions.
My years in the 1990’s were often full of hopes and longing, but also sometimes with disappointments and setbacks. Kiri was my most faithful friend. We supported one another, through many ups and downs. Kiri was a critically important person in my life. I owe her so much. We saw each other less frequently after she moved to Victoria, and I moved to Chicago. But we stayed in touch. I would sometimes call her to ask her opinion, especially when I had questions to ask about my children. I would always find again my old friend, as she was, kind and generous. I will always cherish these memories with Kiri, my most unique friend.
I know how much she had found peace with Eric, a very good man. I sincerely hope that our love for Kiri will help to provide comfort and support in this very difficult time.
Benoit Roux