Jim THORSTEINSON
Jim THORSTEINSON
Obituary
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Jim THORSTEINSON Obituary
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing on July 3, 2018 of Dr. Jim (Valdimar James) Thorsteinson who fell gravely ill while on a holiday with his beloved wife Inge. Jim was a devoted husband, father, friend, grandfather and member of the medical community. He is survived by his wife Inge; his children, Kamilla K., Thomas, Jeffrey, Kristjan and Kamilla M.; his grandchild Nikolas; and his brothers Fred and Bill. As a family physician, clinical professor, and mentor to young medical residents, Jim made a significant contribution to the medical profession for over four decades. His passion for Family Medicine, helping others shine and his advocacy for society's marginalized people are an inspiration. Jim was a quiet, dignified person. He gave without expecting to receive and derived a great deal of pleasure from seeing his children grow into the people they are today. He found meaning through engagement with the world, interaction with family and friends, and through art, travelling, reading, and learning. A memorial service will be held at Boal Chapel in North Vancouver on July 10, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in Jim's honour to the Covenant House Vancouver shelter for at-risk youth.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
20 Entries
Raymond Doutre
April 12, 2022
I have just learned of Jim;s passing I nge and though we have not met I though to write to let you know about Jim;s Montreal University Buddies of which I am a close friend of Jim;s .
I met Jim in Sept 1965 at McGill Molson Residence - we enjoyed late night discussions !!
We were friends aLSO Thru fraternity and when he returned following his trip to Europe after graduation Mcgill - he stayed at my place in Montreal
We kept in touch and saw each other when he returned for our University reunion in Montreal in 2007
I remember Jim with many fond memories - I hope you are well in theses trying times
Ray Doutre
October 30, 2018
A respected classmate, fun-loving, brilliant, and caring.
Valerie Wassill, MD
Margaret Drewlo
July 10, 2018
Like many I feel fortunate to have met and worked alongside Jim. His vibrant curiosity about the world was matched by his deep caring for the wellbeing of patients and all those around him.
Garey and Jill Mazowita
July 10, 2018
A friend,a scholar, a gentleman, a mentor and colleague, and now sorely missed
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Donna Nicholson
July 10, 2018
My heartfelt condolences to Inge and all of Jim's family. His kind, compassionate nature and devotion to his family and his work have been a great role model for many. My life and professional practice, as with so many, is much better for having worked with Jim, for which I will always be grateful.
Launette Rieb
July 10, 2018
Heartfelt condolences to Inge and the family. Thank you for sharing Jim with us for all of these years. He was an extraordinary leader, role model, clinician, and friend who directly and indirectly touched the lives of tens of thousands.His strength was in cultivating those around him - be they clinicians in his department, fellow leaders, or patients, always seeing the best in people and bringing out their strengths for the benefit of all. He will be sorely missed, yet truly celebrated.
Sandra Hirowatari
July 10, 2018
Jim protected me (as he must have done quietly to many of you). I hope this steadfast caring now protects his loved ones. Because that care never dies.
Duncan ETCHES
July 9, 2018
I was shocked to learn of Jim's untimely death. I have known him since meeting him in Winnipeg and have always admired him as a wise and conscientious colleague who worked always to raise the standards of us all on behalf of our patients. He excelled as physician, teacher and administrator.
My condolences to his family.
Bruce Hobson
July 9, 2018
I worked with Jim on several projects and initiatives, the last being the Physicians Data Collaborative. He was a dedicated professional and his opinions were insightful and respected. He will be sorely missed.
My sincere condolences to Jim's family and friends.
Lee Saxell
July 9, 2018
My heart skipped a beat when I saw that Jim had died. He was the head of FP at SPH and I was the first head there of the newly registered midwives! Jim was so supportive as we entered the system and he was so unwavering in his support - even when his dept members opposed midwives working at SPH! He mentored me as freshly minted dept head and held my hand through a steep learning curve. We stayed in touch for many years after, I so enjoyed his company... My heart goes out to his family. what an exceptional man, in so many many ways.
Mary Donlevy
July 9, 2018
Heartfelt condolences to Jim's wife and all his family. Jim was a wonderful and considerate leader in Family Medicine and contributed to the betterment of Family Medicine in a profound way.
Toby Kirshin
July 9, 2018
Our deepest sympathies to your family. Jim was admired by so many for his mentorship, leadership and kindness.
His passion and commitment to family medicine provincially and nationally was especially evident through his leadership at the BC College of Family Physicians as Board member, President and Executive Director. He will be greatly missed. On behalf of the BCCFP I want to offer our sincere condolences.
Toby Kirshin
Toby Kirshin
July 9, 2018
Our deepest sympathies to your family. Jim was admired by so many for his mentorship, leadership and kindness.
His passion and commitment to family medicine provincially and nationally was especially evident through his leadership at the BC College of Family Physicians as Board member, President and Executive Director. He will be greatly missed. On behalf of the BCCFP I want to offer our sincere condolences.
Toby Kirshin
Michelle Cardwell
July 9, 2018
Firstly, my sincere condolences to Dr. Thorsteisons family and friends.
I worked for Jim many years at Family Medical Centre and must say that he was truly a very humble, kind, and genuine individual. He will be deeply missed.
Robin Patyal
July 8, 2018
My deep condolences and heartfelt affection goes out! Feel honoured to have worked and learned in Jim's watch! Sincerely, Robin Patyal.
Nilla and Don Mullan
July 8, 2018
'Sunshine fades and shadows fall,
But sweet remembrance outlasts all.'
We hope there is some measure of peace and comfort in knowing how many of us share in your loss.
With sincerest sympathy,
Nilla and Don Mullan
Francine Lemire
July 8, 2018
Jim was a quiet,but engaged and deliberate family medicine leader. He served on the Board of the BC College of Family Physicians & on some committees and the Board of the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC). Our most sincere condolences to his family and friends from all of us at the CFPC. Francine Lemire MDCM, CCFP, FCFP, CAE, Executive Director and CEO, CFPC
Dara Behroozi
July 8, 2018
Our Profession has lost one of it's shining lights.
A great physician, healer and a decent good man. My deepest sympathies to Jim's family.
It was an honor to know and work with such a fine role model.
Rita McCracken
July 8, 2018
I was so lucky to have had Jim as a teacher during my Fanily Medicine training, and then as a mentor in my early career. He taught me how to connect with and care for even our most marginalized and vulnerable patients. His gentle and wise manner will remain an inspiration to me. My deepest sympathy to his family and loved ones.
Maggie Huxtable
July 7, 2018
Our sincere condolences to you and your family Inge. Jim was a wonderful person and really a blessing to this world. May your sweet memories be of comfort to you now
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