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BORN
1934
DIED
2019
Richard Wait Obituary
M.D. F.R.C.P.
Born on January 16, 1934 in Saskatoon, AB, Dr. Richard Harvey Wait died peacefully in Sidney, BC on February 20, 2019. A fourth-generation Canadian, he was the only child of Dr. F. Elmer Wait and Constance (Meddins) Wait. His passion for medicine began as a young child when he would accompany his father anywhere medical care was needed from operating rooms to rural prairie farms.
He graduated from the McGill University Medical School in 1958, then went on to specialize in internal medicine. There he met his wife, Sally and in 1963 they moved to Edmonton where he practiced and taught at the University of Alberta for the next 6 years. In 1969 he moved with his family to the Saanich Peninsula and for the next 30 years practiced gastroenterology, initially in Victoria, then in Sidney, retiring in 1999.
He had all-encompassing interests outside of medicine: he played the flute in the Saskatoon Symphony during high school; he studied at University of Victoria acquiring a Certificate of Business Administration. He produced countless pieces of fine furniture in his workshop. He loved books, the Globe and Mail and The Economist. He cared deeply for the Saanich Peninsula Hospital and gave his time and knowledge to the Foundation. He was also a member of the Brentwood Probus Club.
Richard was a humble man; pragmatic, stoic, methodical and a dedicated provider to his family and patients. Many of his friendships span decades. Despite his declining health in recent years, his great wit and sense of humour endured.
We do not have adequate words to express our gratitude to the incomparable staff of Sidney All Care. Richard spent almost 3 years there, surrounded with compassionate and gentle care, love and lots of laughter. Richard was blessed with many years of unwavering support and care from his physician Dr. Ambrose Marsh.
Richard was predeceased by his son, Tim (2011). Survived by wife, Sally; and daughter, Susan (Stephen); son, Robin; and 4 grandchildren, Matt, Laura, Ophelia and Julip.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory to the Saanich Peninsula Hospital & Healthcare Foundation would be greatly appreciated (https://sphf.ca/donate). Celebration of Life to be held Saturday, March 23, 2019 at 2 p.m.; St. Mary's Church (1973 Cultra Ave., Saanichton, BC).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Wait
7 Entries
March 7, 2019
Dr. Wait was one of my all-time favourite doctors when I worked on 3C East then 7A. He was thoughtful and comapssionate. Blessings to Sally and his near and dear ones. ~ Sandy McPherson (Kerr)
Jamie Papp
March 4, 2019
Dick was the kind of person you felt you had known for a long time; even though you had just met him. He was a straight shooting, thoughtful, capable, honest, and humble person. It was an honor to have known and worked with him.
Nancy Baltzan
March 4, 2019
Dear Sally;
Dick and I were so sorry to read of your Dick's death. We know he hasn't been well in the recent years but we so enjoyed your visit to our home on your last prairie trip. He had a wonderful sense of humour, a typical man from Saskatoon ! Susan joins us in sending you our love and sympathies to you and your family
Marjorie Payne
March 3, 2019
My love and thoughts are with you Sally. Dr Waite was such a fine man and very competent physician....it was always a joy to work with him.
Jack Waters
March 3, 2019
Dear Sally and family,
It was a great honour to know Richard and consider him a true friend. My contact was outside the medical arena, and I enjoyed our conversations right to the end. Love to you all, Jack Waters.
Donna Thompson
March 2, 2019
A gentle, caring, thoughtful man.
I was priveleged to work with at SPH.
Art Bickerton
March 2, 2019
My condolences to Sally and family. I enjoyed visiting their property. It was a sanctuary of peacefulness, ocean breezes and flowering gardens. Both Sally and Richard were kind and thoughtful with many interesting conversations and stories.
It was a pleasure being treated as a friend while being their milkman. The driveway was the only challenge in winter.
Sincerely, Art Bickerton
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