Ryan, Doreen Blanche, M.D.
April 29, 1931 – Nov. 27, 2012
Born April 29, 1931 in Regina, Saskatchewan to Charles and Elizabeth Ryan, Doreen was one of eight children. “Renie” as she was fondly nick-named graduated from Central High School in Regina and shortly thereafter while still in her late teens enrolled at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario as a medical student in an era when women medical students were a rarity. She graduated in 1955 and after a residency program at St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver she moved to Smithers in northern B.C. Renie gathered a lifetime of fond memories and friends during her years in Smithers where in addition to running a medical clinic she also performed major surgery at the Bulkley Valley District Hospital.
In the late sixties, Renie moved to Victoria and after a very brief retirement accepted a medical position in the small town of Apsley, Ontario where she worked for approximately ten years before returning to Vancouver. Back in Vancouver, she then accepted a medical administration position with Canada Pension at Shaughnessy Veteran’s Hospital, later becoming Medical Director in Vancouver for pension assessments where she worked until retirement.
In addition to the achievements in her career, Doreen will also be remembered for her compassion for others and her genuinely caring nature. She loved to drive quality automobiles and was an avid collector of art and antiques. She also loved her card games.
She spent her final years in a comfortable suite overlooking the Fraser River in New Westminster where true to her wishes she lived independently (with assistance from her devoted friend and caregiver, Bonnie Olson) until her passing. She is survived by two sisters, Beverley Morgan of Port Moody and Dorothy Fisher of Victoria. At Doreen’s request there will be no funeral and her ashes will be spread near Smithers, B.C. at a later date.