Kurt David Reich

Dr. Kurt David Reich (Dave), 67, slipped away gently and peacefully, surrounded by the love of family, at his home on October 22nd, 2025. Following a hard-fought battle with Parkinson’s Disease, his final days were spent at home with those he held dear, playing games and sharing warm memories, long embraces, and favourite songs.

Born June 11th, 1958, in Vancouver, British Columbia, the eldest of 4 children to Kurt and Lily Reich, Dave was a treasured husband, father, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, cousin, and friend. He is missed and loved by his wife of 41 years, MaryJean, his children Jenny and BJ, his siblings James Reich (Sheldene), Kathy Reich, Melody Pender (John), step-mom Angela Reich, in-laws Ginny Alger, John Meston, Elizabeth Kennedy and Stuart Meston (Shelagh), nieces and nephews, and a cherished community of friends and colleagues.

A gifted athlete, he attended SFU on a basketball scholarship then spent a year at Pacific Bible College before settling on a career in medicine. He found his work rewarding and felt privileged to be part of providing patient care first as a GP, and then for 24 years as a surgical pathologist at RCH in New Westminster.

Dave was a man of few words, or many words, depending on the occasion. A gentle, caring, and wise man who treasured his family, valued friendship and sought knowledge. As a lifelong learner he was a voracious reader; he liked to sit and ponder the big questions in life. His deep curiosity allowed him to delight in the unknown. He has left us all with the understanding that you haven’t really gone anywhere if you didn’t get a little lost along the way.

He had a strong moral compass and held a steadfast commitment to helping others. On any given subject he was always ready to dispense advice—solicited or not. He excelled at any sport, had a quirky (genre-defying) taste in music, enjoyed a good glass of scotch or Irish whiskey, and loved to travel. His naturally competitive nature—sports, cards, games, debates—was balanced with a quick wit, unique sense of humour, and charming tendency toward playful mischief.

Dave’s commitment to helping others extended to his work as part of several short-term medical missions that took place in Liberia, Botswana, Namibia and Zambia. His final trip in 2015 took him to Kenya where he spent a 3-month rotation in a teaching hospital in Nairobi. While there he met and mentored a young physician whose internship was nearly complete and had been identified by the medical staff as an excellent candidate for further specialty training in laboratory medicine (pathology). Another surgeon at the hospital, knowing the intern would be unable to financially complete the training on her own, approached Dave and asked if he would consider taking on the responsibility of raising funds on her behalf.

In Dave’s own words, “Although I certainly wanted to help, to be asked to oversee this project was daunting. I had no fundraising experience, and it would be an expensive, multi-year project.” Despite the challenge, in partnership with Canadian charity BethanyKids, and the generous donations of colleagues, Dave was able to raise the funds to support this intern’s further education. Although her journey was not without complications and interruptions, 8 years from the time of their first meeting she was employed as a staff pathologist at that same hospital. The success of this collaborative endeavour remains one of the achievements Dave was most proud of.

Dave’s quiet strength and deep courage helped sustain him as his Parkinson’s progressed. He has left a very large hole in our family, but we could not have asked anything more of him. It is our hope Dave rest not only in peace but in joyful and un-inhibited movement. Godspeed Dave, as you embark on your greatest journey yet. We love you.

A celebration of Dave’s life will be held sometime in the Spring of 2026. In lieu of flowers, our family invites you remember him while you listen to Miles Davis’ “Kind of Blue”, with the lights low and the volume high. If so desired, donations can be made in Dave’s honour to the Parkinson’s Society of BC, BethanyKids, or a charity of your choice.