David Boyes Obituary
Born March 18, 1925 and died March 14, 2017. Survived by loving wife Maragret Saunders and son David Boyes, grandchildren Matthew Grout, Angus Grout, Tiare Boyes, and great-grandchild Morgan Grout. Predeceased by daughter Susan Grout and first wife Louise Boyes.
A distinguished Gynaecologist, Radiation Oncologist, and Cytopathologist, he was one of the world's leading authorities on the detection of cervical cancer. In 1955 with Dr. Herbert Fidler he began the free Pap smear program in British Columbia, which resulted in a reduction in deaths from cervical cancer by 70% over time. The program was widely emulated around the world in subsequent years.
While he provided medical and scientific leadership at many levels he became best known as the Director of the Cancer Control Agency of British Columbia, which under his leadership developed into a nationally and internationally emulated facility for the prevention, detection and treatment of all forms of cancer.
Dr. Boyes began his medical career with a general practice on Saltspring Island in the early 1950's with then medical partner and lifetime friend G. John Ankenman M.D.C.M, F.R.C.S.C.
Subsequent to his retirement from the CCA he undertook several unpaid positions including chairing the Medical Ethics Committee of the BC Government for organ transplants and he also chaired the False Creek Toxic Waste Cleanup Committee prior to Expo '86.
He had an impressive list of 60 medical papers, journal articles, and numerous other publications to his credit and in addition to being an officer of the Order of Canada and the Order of British Columbia was awarded the Canadian Medical Association's FNG Starr Award, an honour shared with Banting, Best, and Collip, and other legendary figures of Canadian Medical history.
The David Boyes society was founded 43 years ago by a group of his resident doctors. An annual fall dinner and meeting in Vancouver is held for practicing obstetricians and gynaecologists. Guest speakers lecture at this meeting on subjects related to their specialties.
Dave Boyes was also a keen sailor and loved 'Happy Hours' with guitar in hand on his sailboat or at home with friends and family. Some friends would contend that he had one the heaviest pours on the lower mainland. ; )
In lieu of flowers donations can be sent to the British Columbia Cancer Agency.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
14 Entries
Gerald White
May 11, 2017
I had the privilege of working with Dr Boyes in the late 70's.Of all the physicians I have encountered he will always stand out for his skill compassion and most of all his ability to bring out the best in those around him. Whenever I encounter a patient with cervical cancer-a fortunately rare diagnosis these days I always think back to Dr.Boyes and his colleagues who achieved so much in the battle against this disease.
Don LeBlanc
April 2, 2017
I'm afraid I erred in my earlier message. Dr. Notes and Doug MacKay co-chaired the B.C. Special Waste Advisory Committee for Atomic Energy of Canada, not the B.C. Wilderness Advisory Committee of which I also served as Information Officer. Chalk up this mistake to age.
Don LeBlanc
March 29, 2017
I now live in Halifax but was honoured to serve as Information Officer for BC's Wilderness Advisory Committee under co-chairs Dr. Boyes and Doug MacKay in Vancouver in the 1990s. I have deep respect and fond memories of him. I learned early on of his humbleness when he told me "call me Dave". I did, but never in the company of the news media or members of the public. I also recall fondly when he and Margaret hosted committee members and staff in their home on the shore of Vancouver harbour. A highlight was when he fired off his cannon facing the water (blank of course, but very noisy nevertheless). He told us a story about someone else firing a cannon from their beachfront property on Vancouver Island at a huge passing yacht. Suddenly, a cannon arose from below the deck of the yacht and replied with a blast of its own. Turned out the return fire came from John Wayne.
David was a great man. He was extremely intelligent, friendly, kind, gentle and generous. He contributed greatly to saving untold numbers of women throughout the world. I hadn't been in contact with him for many years so decided today to google only to learn of his passing earlier this month.
My sincerest sympathies to family and friends.
Don LeBlanc
March 27, 2017
Ann and I were saddened to hear about the passing of David. A great man; an excellant physician and unforgettable leader.
He asked me to join CCABC after my fellowship and not return to join PMH in Toronto and I will not forget that.
Brian Acker and I goined the "Gyne Group" in early eighties replacing Randy; a privilage to join the group of David Boyce, Mike Turko and Lou Benedect and Ken Swenerton.
He will be missed here; I know he will regroup with Mike and Lou in Heaven
Mo Manji
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Tara Kaehne
March 27, 2017
My family was sorry to see David's obituary posted in the paper as we have an interesting connection. My parents bought David's C&C 35 in 1980, Suluda, and renamed her Marinita (for Marilyn, my mum, Nicole, my sister and me, Tara) a boat that is still in the family under my ownership. She spent most of her life at WVYC but is now moored at Royal Victoria Yacht Club and has been lovingly maintained; some might say that she's better than new. We have kept a file of the boat and even have a copy of Suluda's log from 1971-1980. Sorry for your loss and I hope you have fond memories of Suluda.
Bud Abbott
March 24, 2017
With the passing of Dr. David Boyes, a gynecological oncology dynasty has come to an end. Starting with the initial trilogy of Drs, Fiddler, Boyes and Worth a pap smear program was able to be established and it's effect proven. Dr. Boyes was then able to further the knowledge and value of these studies while at the same time bringing BCCA to the forefront of cervical cancer treatment. He was aided in this pursuit with the addition to his team of Drs. Mike Turko and Lou Benedet. His influence on the many residents that were lucky enough to have served under him have left a legacy that will continue to serve the community for many more years yet. For all his professional success he had the most balanced set of interests, family first, sailing, fishing, community affairs, government. From one sailor to another-"Bravo Zulu" David, rest well.
March 24, 2017
I had the privilege of working with David at the BC Cancer Institute during the 70s during which time he taught me everything I needed to know about medicine and treating patients. When our son was born 46 years ago, he gave him a marine Verey Pistol which really stood out amongst the bootees and onesies! He has it to this day. So the memories go on and on. He will always be remembered. Jon & Di Cope
Michael and Chris Turko
March 20, 2017
We will always fondly remember the old Chris Craft our dads co-owned and the weekend days our families spent together. David always had kind words for us as we encountered him throughout our lives. He will be fondly remembered.
Juliana Pasko
March 19, 2017
David A. was my boss and friend for over 30 years. Working with him I learned so much. Sometimes I thought I was having my own "Tuesdays with Morrie" whenever we spoke. His lessons were gentle, often in the form of a story that illustrated the point he was trying to make. He was very unassuming which belied his mighty force. His mere presence was enough to keep me on an even keel. He always back my decisions, and defended them. Then afterwards he would quietly say, " I understand why you chose to do it that way but I wouldn't do it like that myself. That was the most he ever criticized me. He never gave advice but would answer if you asked, What would you do in this situation?" Whenever I meet a blowhard who brags about their accomplishments, I think of David and how quietly effective he was. He was curious about everything and had a vast storehouse of wisdom. He was not embarrassed to admit when he didn't know something and believed there was no such thing as a stupid question.
Milena Santoro
March 18, 2017
Milena Santoro
March 18, 2017
My "Uncle" David and I had many long debates on politics, current events, and the state of the world every time I visited, from my high school days and through the decades since. When I was younger, he took me and my dad fishing, and our family even sailed up the coast with David and Margaret on the Saluda. Such memories are precious, but even more important was the love he had for his children, grandchildren, and my cousin Margaret. It was always a joy to see them together, puttering in the garden (David grew glorious roses!), laughing and kidding at happy hour, and just enjoying being together. He was a man of many accomplishments, but for me, he was family. I will miss him with all my heart.
2006 in our shared back year
John & Rae Smith
March 18, 2017
David and his wife Margaret were our next door neighbours for a quarter century. During this time we saw them almost daily - for 13 of these years we shared a sailboat. We learned a lot about sailing under the tutelage of David. He was a gentle, humble and vigorous man, always interested in learning, and always having the patience to be a good teacher.
We will miss him so much.
Helena Akrigg
March 17, 2017
March 17, 2017
I was privileged to work with Dr. Boyes at the BCCA in the late 1980s I remember his soft voice, caring manner, and a great teacher. I enjoyed the DA Boyes Society lectures and learned a great deal just as a nurse. The cytology program is a lifesaving screening tool. Thank you very much, Dr. Boyes.
John Clerides
March 17, 2017
I always relished the time when David and Margaret came to my parents home for Christmas dinners. David, my father and I always shared a glass or two of scotch prior to dinner in which we spoke about current affairs and history. I was awe struck when he told me his father served at Vimy Ridge. A most humble man who served his country well, a life well lived, he will be missed.
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