May 20, 1957 - August 2, 2020
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. David Nigel Harries James, aged 63, on August 2nd, 2020, after sustaining a head injury at his home.
Dave was born in Winchester, UK, to John and Jennifer James, and was the third of 6 children. He had a classical English boarding school education, first Aysgarth School in Yorkshire, and then Harrow School in London.
In 1973, the family emigrated to Canada. Dave attended UBC, and then went back to England to enter medical school at St. Mary's Hospital, London. After qualifying he worked in Lincoln, UK, for a year before being accepted into the UBC Surgical Residency programme in Vancouver.
As a general surgeon, he worked in Nanaimo, then South Africa where he connected with many of his maternal relatives. In 1995 he settled in Campbell River; over the years he found many great neighbours and friends.
He absolutely loved the coastal lifestyle of boating, fishing, and island-hopping. He practiced in Campbell River until his full retirement in March 2020, and was revelling in his newfound, well-deserved freedom.
Dave was an avid collector of antiques, books, and historical artefacts. He loved to travel, where he would explore local cultures and pick up mementos. At home, Dave spent countless hours maintaining his garden, listening to classical music and podcasts, reading the books he had accrued over the years, and enjoying the beautiful house he built overlooking Campbell River's harbour.
Dave held his English and Welsh heritage very close to his heart. He made regular trips to the UK to connect with family and was renowned for being a mirthful raconteur. He had a very kind heart, an exceptionally keen wit, and was the master of puns. He will be dearly missed by all who loved him.
Dave was predeceased by his Mum, Jennifer (2011). Left to mourn his death are his Dad, John (Anne), siblings, Richard (Jo), Angela, Catherine (Garry), Jackie (John), Edward (Nicole), and 11 nieces and nephews: Rosie and Sophia; Ben, Tom, and Will; James and Zoë; Tashi and Shey; and Olivia and Wynne.
There will be no service at this time but a Celebration of Life will follow and be announced at a future date.
In lieu of flowers, charitable donations may be given to The Knowledge Network, British Columbia (www.knowledge.ca), or Poco a Poco, the charity at which Dave had volunteered, helping with surgeries in Guatemala (tepe@shaw.ca)
Condolences may be left at: www.victoriasimplycremations.com