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
-
Barry "Brutus" Drews
-
Tudor and Maggie Weeks Dear Jane and family,
You and Richard were so much part of our lives for over 35years. From early days on the soccer field watching the 2 Andrews, holidays at Thetis Island, Xmas Day with the “everts”, visits to our home in Penticton and many occasions on the deck of your home in Victoria. We will miss Rick so much, making each other laugh and discussing and resolving all the problems of the world. We have also shared in some very tough days together too and we always felt your support in the darkest of times.
Our thoughts are with you, call us any time you need anything and we will visit next time we are in Victoria now that Covid is almost over.
Tudor,Maggie,Andrew and Chelsea, Simon and Adele.
-
George Pickering We were all deeply saddened with the news of Rick’s passing on May 24th. In recent weeks he had generously joined some Zoom calls with family, and we were all impressed with his positive outlook on life as he faced death full on. He did not dwell on his illness but had a keen interest in what the family was up to. He was such an important part of the Nuttall/Pickering family that extends across Canada and into several countries around the world. He will be sorely missed, but he leaves a legacy of love with all of us.
We all knew that Rick was a highly accomplished Canadian, but he always downplayed his achievements in medicine, foreign affairs, economics, business, and academia, and his extensive charitable work. Rather, for those of us in the family we will remember him as a loving brother, brother-in-law, and uncle and someone that put family and friends first.
It was wonderful to have Rick play doctor at family gatherings over the last forty years. Family events often involved someone getting hurt or ill – ear infections, sore throats, twisted ankles, pulled back muscles etc. We all have memories of this side of family get togethers with children and aging adults. Rick had an effortless ability to put the drama around these minor injuries to bed, so to speak. His bedside manner and gentle but overwhelmingly competent medical advice chased tears and infections away. It was so nice to have an in-house doctor on duty when grampa and grandma brought out the fireworks at the lake.
Rick always seemed to put family and friends first. He simply wanted to talk to us, find out how we were doing and what we were doing. He wanted to know what was new in our lives. He was so well-read and intelligent that he could engage on virtually any topic. He was always actively supportive of us, imparting wise counsel and humour in a simple and straightforward manner. We all have such rich memoires of our conversations with him
He was a beacon of light and strength with Jane and John and Laura after the tragic death of his son, Andrew in 2009. Who could imagine a more terrible event for someone they so dearly loved and who we all adored. Rick, with his family`s support, showed us what courage and duty meant. He showed us how faith can bring comfort, how to avoid bitterness and sadness to get the upper hand and how to celebrate his son`s life by living every day to its fullest.
We feel so blessed to have had him in our lives. His memory will live on through us.
To Jane, John, Laura and Rick`s grandchildren Andrew and Zelia, we hope you find comfort from our thoughts and prayers at this time.
George
-
Sharon Quan Dear Jane,
Gene and I are saddened to hear of Rick’s passing. We remember Rick with great fondness during your years in West Vancouver. We have great memories of Rick watching soccer games, experiencing Cub Scout , and parent socials with us. Our son Bryce valued Andy’s friendship immensely. Rick was a good father and mentor .
Our thoughts are with you,
Gene and Sharon Quan
-
Dr Michael Vaughan Dear Jane, I send my sincere condolences to you and your family at this most difficult time. He was my friend and my mentor for many years as we worked closely in the nursing home community. He was and remains one of the most ethical physician I’ve worked with. For Rick, it was always about the patient and the patient only. I’m sure that he also inspired all the physicians, and nursing staff that he worked with. One of the most difficult days I’ve had,is the day I showed up at the hospital to visit him only to find out that he had died earlier that morning.
For those of us who have worked with Rick his memory is etched in us, and he will never be forgotten.
Kindest regards from my family to yours.Michael and Denise
-
Marcus Coneys Dear Jane,
My sincere condolences to you and your family at this painful time of loss. As a classmate I knew Rick from 1968 through the six years at RCSI and then several more as interns and residents at Ottawa Civic Hospital. Always a wise head to us younger ones, Rick helped me with some key decisions in my career including my internship in Ottawa. He was a fun and sincere friend with a kindness that put people at ease in his company. I hope you find comfort in knowing that so many share your sense of loss at this time. RIP Rick, you ran a fine race,
Marcus Coneys,
Class of ‘74
-
Edith Ritzer Jane and Family!
My deepest sympathy goes out to Jane and family. I so much enjoyed meeting Rick on my trip to Tanzania with the FTLOA society. He was so compassionate , understanding and of course very, very caring.
I have only very fond memories of Rick and he will be dearly missed by all.Edith Ritzer
-
Barry Mawhinney I am deeply saddened to learn of Rick Nuttall’s passing. It conjured up vivid memories of our time together 55 years ago in Ghana. He gave unstintingly of his time and support to my late wife, Islay, and me in helping us to settle in to our first posting at the Canadian High Commission in Accra. He was a fine colleague and friend. Subsequently we had the pleasure of visiting him in Dublin while he was attending medical school there and later a happy reunion at his home in West Vancouver where we had the pleasure of meeting his wife Jane. We sadly did not stay in touch after that and I had not realized that his son Andrew had been killed in action in Aghanistan. What a dreadful loss to endure. Truly his was an outstanding career of care and service for others. My heartfelt condolences to Jane and family.
-
Eric George I knew Rick as a fellow member of the Long Term Care Medical Advisory Committee which we were both on for several years. He was a key member of the group. When Rick spoke, everybody listened because he had so much knowledge and experience and had such a good heart. I never wanted to disagree with Rick as that meant I was almost certainly on the wrong side of an issue. I got to know him a bit better when they started having island-wide meetings and we carpooled together to Nanaimo. I discovered that he was a real people person with a great sense of humour who knew the back story of everything medical in Victoria. I know he suffered tremendously with the death of his son and faced increasingly onerous personal health challenges but he bore those with amazing dignity and grace and if anything it made him even more kindhearted and thoughtful. He was one of a kind and will be greatly missed.
-
Tony Heemskerk I knew Richard when I served on the Board at Mount St. Mary. He was a great asset to the hospital and the patients. I appreciated his caring professionalism and focus on the well being of the residents.
-
Sara John Fowler, CEO Dear Jane and Family,
Dr. Nuttall is remembered for his exemplary care of the residents of Mount St. Mary Hospital and his dedication to health care through the stalwart leadership he provided to this organization, as well as, his kind and compassionate nature. He will be sadly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.
~ From All at Mount St. Mary
-
Gregory Oh So sorry to hear of the sad news of Rick’s passing. My sincere condolences. Met Rick at the 2014 Class Reunion. Resolute, assured and a confident personality. It comes as no surprise that he accomplished so much in the medical field and related charitable work.
Our thoughts are with the Nuttall family.
RIP.
-
Wally Brown Friends since our time in Ghana, in the 60s. A true gentleman. My sincere condolences to Jane and family. May He Rest In Peace.
Wally Brown
-
Janice Robinson Dear Jane + family,
My condolences to you all. I was lucky enough to work with Rick at The Lodge at Broadmead [that is what it was called when we worked together]. He was a wonderful support to me as I established the Nurse Practitioner role there. Rick helped with my learning and advocated for quality care for the folks who lived there. He was a mentor and I knew I could call him with any questions and he would share his clinical acumen [and good humour]. Thinking of you and of him. I will remember him fondly.
Janice Robinson
-
Dr Katharine McKeen Our colleague Rick will be missed as a member of both the Victoria Division of Family Practice and the Victoria – South Island Long Term Care Initiative. His contribution to improving our local health system, for patients and providers, is appreciated.
He always had something to valuable to contribute, informed by his decades of experience and commitment.
Sincerely,
Dr Katharine McKeen
Victoria Division of Family Practice, Co-chair
-
Duncan Robertson 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.
-
Jim MacSween I was saddened to hear this news.
My condolences to all family members.
Rick was a man of many accomplishments.
-
Eileen Curteis 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
-
Denis Eustace 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.
-
Suma Abraham 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.
-
Dr Himmet Dajee 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
-
Hillgun & Helge Haugland 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.
-
Allan Slater 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.
-
Michele Moore 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 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
-
Sheila and Roy Sheppard and Joyce Jeffrey 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
-
Jacinta O'Hanlon 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.
-
Ron Goulet 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
-
BetteJo Hughes Our sincere condolences to you Jane, and your family. BetteJo Hughes and Bill Phelan
-
Janice Gallaugher 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
-
Rosaleen and Brendan 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
-
Rev. Cathy Victor 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
-
Francine Marshall 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
-
Carrie Owen 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
-
Yeepy 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.
-
Dr. Donna Clements I am so sorry for your loss.
-
Robyn Swanson 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
-
Catherine Ryan 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
-
Iris Pasareno 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.
-
Dr.Arvind.K.Joshi 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.
-
Bonnie Youngman 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.
-
Karen Schrey 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
-
Colonel (ret) F. Paul Crober, Honorary Colonel, The Canadian Scottish Regiment (Princess Mary’s) 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.
-
Fergus O'Kelly 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.)
-
Diane Maddox 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
Dear Jane & Family,
On behalf of C.A.V. (Canadian Army Veterans Motorcycle Units) our sincere condolences to you and your Family. We are saddened to hear of the passing of Richard. I’ve always enjoyed both of your company & my conversations with Richard over the years. He was a good man!! One of his legacy’s- the Afghanistan Memorial Monument in Victoria will always Stand tall & Proud as he was the driving force behind getting it erected! A true testament to your son Andrew’s service, The Canadian Armed Forces & Richard himself! Your Son’s service & Richard will never be forgotten!! God Bless Richard, yourself & your Family.
Barry “Brutus” Drews KStG
President 3 C.A.V. ROME Unit