Dr. Jaime C Pinilla

Jaime’s story began in Santiago, Chile, where he was born and raised with two younger sisters. Following his father's death, he was moved to a boarding school where he thrived. Displaying promise, he entered medical school at 17 and completed a specialty in surgery. A deep interest in continued learning prompted a move to Manhattan where he trained in a new specialty: Critical Care.

The 1973 Chilean coup d’etat forced a difficult decision. Return—or begin again in another country? Fate intervened when a position in the surgical program at Royal University Hospital (RUH) in Saskatoon was offered.

Jaime practiced as a professor, critical care physician, and Medical Director of RUH’s Intensive Care Unit until his retirement in 2004. He participated in research, developed the first nutritional support service, and collaboratively designed a quality improvement program for Critical Care. The latter became a passion, and he continued to support the program and mentor others long after retirement.

Jaime was accomplished. However, he was never defined by his work. He was complex, contemplative and somewhat solitary, yet very present. A man of few words; a good listener who never criticized or judged. Some called him a Renaissance Man. He was an avid reader, with an extensive library, often having multiple books on the go. His favourite time of day was the evening meal. These were meant to be an experience, with good food, Chilean wine, intimate conversation, and music from his huge CD library.

Jaime loved to travel. He particularly enjoyed his first trip back to Chile where he was reunited with his sisters after a lengthy separation. This trip resulted in a lasting, close relationship with his sister Blancaluz, niece Pamela and her son Pascal. In later years, he made Mexico his winter home, completing his last trip in April of this year.

Perhaps Jaime's most important discovery after retirement was his gift for writing. He described it as “an astonishing experience when his silence became poetry”. His poetry represented a passion for life celebrating love and remembrance. He left a legacy of such in his four published books.

Jaime loved his family deeply. He was proud of his sons and stepchildren and celebrated their accomplishments quietly. He maintained a particularly close relationship with his son Dion, who was tremendously supportive in the last few weeks. Jaime found joy in his grandchildren and was known to keep a stash of chocolate in his office just for them. A romantic, he faithfully delivered a rose a week with a note explaining the meaning of the colour chosen. Most importantly, Jaime never missed an opportunity to say, “I love you”.

At Jaime’s request, his life will be celebrated with a private family gathering. Jaime will be remembered by his wife, Candice Bryden; sons, Dr. James Pinilla (Shirlene, Sean), Dion Braustisch; stepchildren, Taylor Bryden (Anthony, Ava, Jackson, James), Sean Bryden (Natasha, Emma, Andee, Eli), Carter Bryden (Emily, Hadley, Huxley); sisters, Blancaluz Pinilla (Patricio, Pamela, Andres), Amalia Pinilla; sister-in-law, Sherry Herbison (Hal); brother-in-law Todd Benson and many special friends.

We wish to express our sincere gratitude to the Sherbrooke Community for their outstanding support and care during the last few weeks. For those wishing, a donation may be made by e-transfer to [email protected] in Jaime’s memory.

Arrangements entrusted to Aime Laventure.