Dr J. Donald Blanchard 1920 - 2005
Predeceased by his wife Audrey, and following a lengthy illness, Don leaves behind to mourn his loving wife Anita, son Paul (Jackie), daughter Ann (David), son Brent (Hicks), daughter Wendy (Hicks), sister, Betty (Harry), and grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
Don was born in Vancouver and took high school in Duncan. He apprenticed as a pharmacist at McGill and Orme in Victoria, was registered with the BC College of Pharmacy, and worked as a pharmacist in Prince Rupert. He joined the Royal Canadian Navy in 1942, serving as a gunnery officer on corvettes and minesweepers.
He took a BA at UBC, then attended the University of Toronto, graduating with an MD in 1953. Following internship at VGH, he joined the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC in 1954. He initially worked as a general practitioner with Dr Shier in the Georgia Building, then associated with Dr K. Williams in the Fairmont Building in Vancouver, where he had privileges at VGH and Grace Hospital. He spent many years on the Economics Committee of the BCMA, and was involved in the development of the Department of Family Medicine at UBC as one of the first instructors.
I was honored to work with him in 1969. He was the consummate family physician, accomplished in the art and science of medicine, and a natural teacher and mentor.
On retirement, he and Anita moved to their seaside home on Pender Island. They spent winters in Palm Springs, California, and traveled extensively.
A celebration of his life was held at home on Pender in July and was attended by a great many of his friends and family.
—T.J. Olson, MD
Sidney