With an outpouring of emotion on social media, the community is remembering Cowichan Valley’s Dr. Bryan Bass, who died suddenly of a heart attack on Jan. 20 while vacationing in Puerto Vallarta.
On Jan. 26, the Cowichan Lake Salmonid Enhancement Society and Hatchery, of which Bass is an honourary lifetime member, posted on their Facebook page.
“To know a person as genuine, authentic, and caring as you was a true blessing. Thank you for being a part of so many people’s journeys and for saving countless lives. You are a hero and a role model to all who knew you,” the group wrote.
Bass was not only a dedicated and loving husband, father, and friend who enhanced the lives of countless fish as a longtime member with the Salmonid Enhancement Society, what he did for humans was no small feat either.
Born in 1958, Bass graduated from the University of British Columbia’s medical program in 1985.
Bass worked with Doctor without Borders, and organization that has saved many worldwide. He also worked with Habitat for Humanity in many places around the world, most notably rebuilding after the landslides in Nepal.
An integral member of the Cowichan Valley medical community for many years, he was also a co-chair of the Cowichan Division of Family Practice, and a founding member of the Primary Care Network — a partnership between the division of family practice, Island Health, First Nations Health Authority and local Indigenous communities. His involvement includes adding 13 social workers to family practice clinics, a net of seven new nurse practitioners to community clinics and new primary care clinics in Duncan (CareBridge) and Lake Cowichan (Kaatza).
As a champion for primary care in the region, Bass’s medical practice has spanned decades where he has both supported patients in the community as well as patients at the Cowichan District Hospital and was the team physician for the Cowichan Valley Capitals.
Aside from his devotion and dedication as a longtime member of the Cowichan Lake Salmonid Enhancement Society and Hatchery, he also gave his time and energy to several great causes as a longtime Rotary Club of Duncan member, and through them was instrumental in the Observation Tower project at Cowichan Estuary Nature Centre where students have the opportunity to view osprey, eagles, and great blue herons.
He leaves behind his wife of 31 years, Tanya, daughters Victoria and Olivia and other extended family.
“He has touched the hearts of many staff, physicians and patients throughout the community,” said longtime friend and patient Bob Crandall. “Bryan was my doctor and a best friend. To know him was to love him. We have all grown older and wiser and have done this together. This year I am going to award Bryan and his good friend Michael Lee with their five-, 10-, and 15-year badges and pins for their efforts in salmon enhancement. My deepest regret is that Bryan’s will be awarded posthumously. He will be greatly missed by all.”
A celebration of his life will be held on Feb. 22 at Mellor Hall at 1 p.m. Family suggests that in lieu of flowers, people can plant a tree in Bass’s memory, honouring his love of nature.
