David John Worthy

It is with profound sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of David John Worthy on October 26, 2025, at the Royal Jubilee Hospital Coronary Care Unit in Victoria, BC. David passed peacefully in the arms of his beloved wife, Sandy, and their son, Calum, surrounded by family and close friends.

Born in Derby, England, on May 15, 1950, to Cliff and Alma Worthy, David emigrated to Canada as a young child. He graduated from high school in Kimberley, BC, then attended Selkirk College and the University of Victoria. Following his first degree, David began his career as a newspaper reporter before joining CBC News in Edmonton. Drawn to more personal work, he later completed a degree in Social Work at the University of Victoria-a vocation that became his life’s calling.

For more than 35 years, David served as a medical social worker in Emergency and Psychiatry, where his empathy, humour, and steady presence touched the lives of countless patients, families, and colleagues. His dedication to helping others was matched only by his love for his family. He was a devoted husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend. David also deeply cherished his long-standing Men’s Group-a circle of friends whose 50-year commitment to one another brought wisdom, laughter, and steadfast support through all of life’s seasons.

David is survived by his wife, Sandy, and their son, Calum; his brothers Norman (Betty) and Ken (Ireena) and their families; his sister-in-law Robbi (Dan) Smith and her children Mandy (Sam) and Jason (Melissa), whom David lovingly considered his “bonus” daughter and son. He also leaves behind nephews Gary, Josef, Layne, and Eric; nieces Kate, Maddy, Sofia, Emily, Olivia, Heather, Jocelyn, and Vivienne; and his daughters-by-choice, Francesca and Grace. The family is deeply grateful that so many of you were able to be with David during his final week in hospital.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the nurses in the Coronary Care Unit; to social worker Barb Field, David’s longtime friend and colleague, for her extraordinary care and compassion; and to dear friend Linda Carter for navigating the family through a very difficult two weeks.

A celebration of David’s life will be held on Family Day weekend in February. In lieu of flowers, donations in David’s memory may be made to the BC Cancer Foundation.