With dignity and strength, Rick passed away at home on March 19. He will be dearly missed by his wife, Gael Arthur, sons Liam (Paula, Lyrica), David (Hannah) and Murray (Alexandria), and two granddaughters, Charlotte and Sage. Rick was predeceased by his son Dean in 2007.
Raised in North Vancouver, Rick excelled at academics and was admitted to UBC Medical School, graduating in 1973. It was an ideal time for him and wife Sylvia, a teacher, to travel the world and work. After stints in New Zealand, Australia, and Papua New Guinea, they took a short posting in Newfoundland before Waglisla (Bella Bella), where son Liam was born. Five years in Haida Gwaii strengthened Rick's commitment to medicine in smaller communities.
Rick moved to the Comox Valley in 1980 and raised three more boys, Dean, David and Murray, with Dr. Tanya Austin. His family medicine practice was augmented by acupuncture, emergency medicine and GP anaesthesia, sometimes all in the same day.
Children launched, the next chapter in Rick's life began in 2010, with Gael Arthur, who shared his love of cooking, music and travel. Gael became a competent fly fisher, Rick an accomplished wine taster. Together, they became keen birders and dahlia growers, when not actively involved in protecting habitat through Comox Valley Land Trust.
Special thanks to Dr. Marcus Langhans for his care, compassion and unflagging friendship.
If you wish to honour Rick's life, a donation to Comox Valley Land Trust would be appreciated.
