Dick passed away at home on April 10th after a prolonged illness. He will be deeply mourned by his wife and best friend of 35 years, Kendra, and by their three children Kate, Owen and Anna Pachal. He will also be grievously missed by his brother and mentor, Dr. Murray Pachal of Whangarei, New Zealand and by his beloved uncle Jerry Brown of Chilliwack, B.C. In addition, Dick leaves behind many cousins, nieces, nephews, friends and colleagues.
Dick was unique. So smart, so funny, so irreverent. He didn’t have a chance to retire but often said he was “retired” in his twenties when he aimlessly followed his interests and finished several degrees, supporting himself with a well loved summer job collecting garbage in Stanley Park. Dick held degrees in engineering sciences (MIT), law (Osgoode Hall) and medicine (UBC). He practiced law briefly in Vancouver and worked as a psychiatrist for his last 18 years, first in Ottawa and then in Duncan, B.C.
Despite all the education Dick was entirely unpretentious. The things he cared deeply about were family, friends, quiet conversations and a homemade meal. He loved to cook for his family and a few close friends. Dick loved those close to him deeply and sincerely, was a singularly ethical person and an inspiration to all who knew him well.
The family will hold a private service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Doctors Without Borders or to the Canadian Cancer Society.
Online condolences may be made at www.hwwallacecbc.com