Dr Debra Davis her legacy of LIFE

Deb was a ray of light. She was a compassionate nurse and a great colleague. We worked together in ICU, she as a nurse and me as an RT. When she got into medical school I was happy and a little jealous. Her acceptance allowed me to dream big and made me realize that medical school was a possibility for me too. In the times we hung out we walked and talked and shared our love for medicine but also we realized the demands never stopped and our lives would be forever changed as doctors. In the recent years I reached out to Deb and never heard back. I missed her. I hoped that things got lighter and brighter for her and she found the happiness she had before. I miss our walks, talks and times with her duck troller (Jack?). Sending everyone that knew her a big hug.

So young and beautiful. Seems like just a few years ago and not decades ago. Forever in my heart. My dear friend Deb Davis.

I met Deb in 2004 during our first year of med school. I remember thinking how beautiful she was (that smile – wow!) and I loved her stories of her days as a nurse. Before doing any clinical work in our second year, I remember a lecture we were sitting in when the instructor passed out before our eyes and how Deb was the first one up, taking his pulse and directing things. I remember thinking – whooaaa – you got this Girl!!! We were all so impressed. There was also a car accident we witnessed at the busy intersection by VGH and she was right there, holding the hand of the driver amidst the broken glass and chaos, calming her down and assessing things before the ambulance came. She just quietly took charge with confidence and compassion… She embraced my 2 little girls like a proud auntie and talked of her love of children and animals. I remember having such great belly laughs with her and lots of tender moments. It was a hard slog going through med school but Deb made it brighter with her ironical and playful sense of humour… We saw each other less when I went on to do my psychiatry residency and hers in general surgery but we stayed in touch. She invited my girls and me to her home in Whistler in 2011. She had 2 beautiful puppies – Lucy and Jack and I brought my puppy Stanley with us. Oh boy – what a bad boy my Stanley was – to my utter horror he was peeing everywhere (like – inside!) because Lucy was in heat and he didn’t know how to handle that! Tyler was so upset with us, but Deb just laughed it off – she could see I was desperately trying to salvage this mortifying situation, and she met it with kindness, humour and understanding. I know her residency was BRUTAL and she had some struggles… I remember at one point she talked of having a foster a child. Even when she was giving so much, she wanted to give some more. What a HUGE heart. I regret that we lost touch over the past number of years. I will always remember her with warmth and fondness – her smile, her laugh, her wit, her intelligence, her generosity of heart and soul. The world feels dimmer without her in it... Thank you Deb for touching my life like you did – I will never forget you. May you rest in peace…

Debra sends me rainbows

Photos sent from Nicole, over 3 decades of memories to share

Debra, the smartest kindest person. Loved he since highschool, and will miss her deeply.

This is us in July 2014. A wonderful moment and memory.