Dr Bryan Wiggens, 1939–2025

Issue: BCMJ, vol. 67, No. 4, May 2025, Page 148 Obituaries
By: Jon Wiggens Kaya Wiggens

Dr Bryan Wiggens

With great sadness, we announce the passing of Dr Bryan Wiggens of Nanaimo, BC, on 10 March 2025 at age 85. Bryan was born on 1 June 1939 in Marton, New Zealand, to Jean Paterson Wiggens and Francis Vincent Wiggens.

A lifelong scholar and adventurer, Bryan attended the School of Physiotherapy at the University of Otago in Dunedin, New Zealand, from 1963 to 1965. He continued his medical studies in London, England, from 1968 to 1975, earning his MD from Middlesex Hospital Medical School at the University of London, where he was recognized with prizes in surgery, anatomy, and orthopaedics. He later specialized in urology, qualifying as a surgeon at the University of Western Ontario in 1982.

Bryan’s career was as vast and varied as his interests. A globetrotter with an exceptional mind, he held 45 different jobs in 28 locations across six countries. In early adulthood, his work included installing fences, bricklaying, selling ice cream, serving as a housemaster at a boys’ school, and teaching English in Germany. As a physiotherapist in Christchurch, New Zealand, and later a general practitioner in New Zealand, England, and Canada, he dedicated his life to medicine. He eventually settled in British Columbia, working as a surgeon at hospitals in Nanaimo, Ladysmith, and Duncan, until his retirement.

Bryan was known for his sharp wit, boundless energy, and dedication to excellence. He loved his medical career, competitive sports (particularly golf), world history and culture, creative pursuits, automobiles and car racing, animals, travel, and—above all—spending time with his friends and family.

He is survived by his partner, Cynthia Olson; his children, Silya, Kaya, and Jon Wiggens; his grandchildren, Madeline Wiggens, Chloe Postawski, and Evan Ranieri; his sister-in-law, Judy Wiggens; and his nephews, Hamish, Andrew, and Simon Wiggens, along with their families in New Zealand and Australia.

Bryan was predeceased by his parents, Jean and Francis Wiggens; brother, Michael Wiggens; and former spouses, Anne Wiggens (Beehan) and Ruta Wiggens (Onni).

Per Bryan’s wishes, no formal service will be held, but a gathering of close friends and family will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to make a memorial contribution are invited to donate to the SPCA, an organization close to Bryan’s heart.
—Jon Wiggens
Victoria
—Kaya Wiggens
Vancouver

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Jon Wiggens, Kaya Wiggens. Dr Bryan Wiggens, 1939–2025. BCMJ, Vol. 67, No. 4, May, 2025, Page(s) 148 - Obituaries.


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