Obituary for Harold James "Jim" Rhodes BA, MS., M.D.
March 27, 1944-October 17, 2023
It is with deep sadness that the family announces the passing of Harold James Rhodes on October 17, 2023. Jim was an adoring and amazing husband and a devoted, caring and proud father and granddad. Left to grieve him are his wife Brenda of 57 years, his son Kent (Jean Wong), daughters Ariel Boulet (Roger) and Janice Workman (Kyle). Also his much loved grandchildren Danielle Rhodes, Oscar Boulet and Robin Boulet, his brothers, Gordon (Aurora) Malcolm, Michael (Teresa) and sister Julia Neale as well as his many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Jim was born in Vancouver and lived in Port Alberni for his early schooling. The family moved to Vancouver where he met his wife Brenda at Sir Winston Churchill Secondary High School. He went on to UBC where he completed his Bachelor of Arts in 1965, Master of Science in 1970, and his Doctor of Medicine in 1973. He moved the family to Edmonton, Alberta for his internship at the Royal Alexandra Hospital.
Jim returned to BC and opened his medical practice on Hastings Street in 1974, sharing those first years of office space with Dr. Juergen Rauh. Jim was a competent, compassionate and caring physician, generous of time and spirit. The office grew to a five doctor clinic in N. Burnaby. He loved all aspects of the practice of medicine. He was a colleague, friend and mentor.
He served as Chief of Staff at Burnaby Hospital, as a director of the BCMA (now Doctors of BC), as a director of Pacific Blue Cross, and as a medical advisor for Parkinson’s Society of B.C. He retired at the end of December, 2004.
His many talents and interests abound. He was a keen outdoorsman, passionate about sailing, hiking, skiing, bird watching and photography. He especially enjoyed the game of Trivial Pursuit and was particularly good at it, except for the “entertainment” category. We had a lot of fun. He was an artist and painter, and was adept at quickly drawing animal sketches for young patients – who loved them! He enjoyed listening to all kinds of music, especially symphony, opera, and compositions of classical music.
Jim was an active member of the RVYC for over 40 years, enjoying the camaraderie of members both on the water and off. Many will remember SV ‘Stovepipe’ as the smallest boat with the most people in the cockpit. Many happy times were spent attending many of the club cruises, exploring the Gulf Islands, Barkley Sound, the Broughton Archipelago and beyond in company with other club vessels. We chaired and co-chaired Dog Days and Commodore Cruises. Jim was a past Honorary Fleet Surgeon.
The family especially would like to thank the cheerful and compassionate Care Team at Brock Fahrni Pavillion for their attentive care given to “Dr. Rhodes”.
There will be an Eight Bells Service at the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club on January 3, 2024 commencing at 12:00 p.m. at 3811 Point Grey Road, Vancouver B.C, V6R1B3.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Paul’s Foundation with ‘Palliative Care Unit’ in the gift information section, or to Parkinson’s Society of B.C.
The support from the Memorial Society of B.C. and the Affordable Cremation & Burial (where condolences are accepted) is much appreciate
It is with deep sadness that the family announces the passing of Harold James Rhodes on October 17, 2023. Jim was an adoring and amazing husband and a devoted, caring and proud father and granddad. Left to grieve him are his wife Brenda of 57 years, his son Kent (Jean Wong), daughters Ariel Boulet (Roger) and Janice Workman (Kyle). Also his much loved grandchildren Danielle Rhodes, Oscar Boulet and Robin Boulet, his brothers, Gordon (Aurora) Malcolm, Michael (Teresa) and sister Julia Neale as well as his many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Jim was born in Vancouver and lived in Port Alberni for his early schooling. The family moved to Vancouver where he met his wife Brenda at Sir Winston Churchill Secondary High School. He went on to UBC where he completed his Bachelor of Arts in 1965, Master of Science in 1970, and his Doctor of Medicine in 1973. He moved the family to Edmonton, Alberta for his internship at the Royal Alexandra Hospital.
Jim returned to BC and opened his medical practice on Hastings Street in 1974, sharing those first years of office space with Dr. Juergen Rauh. Jim was a competent, compassionate and caring physician, generous of time and spirit. The office grew to a five doctor clinic in N. Burnaby. He loved all aspects of the practice of medicine. He was a colleague, friend and mentor.
He served as Chief of Staff at Burnaby Hospital, as a director of the BCMA (now Doctors of BC), as a director of Pacific Blue Cross, and as a medical advisor for Parkinson’s Society of B.C. He retired at the end of December, 2004.
His many talents and interests abound. He was a keen outdoorsman, passionate about sailing, hiking, skiing, bird watching and photography. He especially enjoyed the game of Trivial Pursuit and was particularly good at it, except for the “entertainment” category. We had a lot of fun. He was an artist and painter, and was adept at quickly drawing animal sketches for young patients – who loved them! He enjoyed listening to all kinds of music, especially symphony, opera, and compositions of classical music.
Jim was an active member of the RVYC for over 40 years, enjoying the camaraderie of members both on the water and off. Many will remember SV ‘Stovepipe’ as the smallest boat with the most people in the cockpit. Many happy times were spent attending many of the club cruises, exploring the Gulf Islands, Barkley Sound, the Broughton Archipelago and beyond in company with other club vessels. We chaired and co-chaired Dog Days and Commodore Cruises. Jim was a past Honorary Fleet Surgeon.
The family especially would like to thank the cheerful and compassionate Care Team at Brock Fahrni Pavillion for their attentive care given to “Dr. Rhodes”.
There will be an Eight Bells Service at the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club on January 3, 2024 commencing at 12:00 p.m. at 3811 Point Grey Road, Vancouver B.C, V6R1B3.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Paul’s Foundation with ‘Palliative Care Unit’ in the gift information section, or to Parkinson’s Society of B.C.
The support from the Memorial Society of B.C. and the Affordable Cremation & Burial (where condolences are accepted) is much appreciate