Dr. Derek Eaves

With great sadness, we announce the passing of Dr. Derek Eaves on June 16th, 2017 at his home in Vancouver, BC surrounded by his family. Born January 5th, 1942 in Nelson, Lancashire, Derek is survived by Christine, his loving wife of 52 years. He will be profoundly missed by his four children Joanne (Brian), Rachel (Peter), Gareth (Heidi) and Tom (Yvonne), his adored grandchildren Emily, Madeline, Sam, Jak, Maya, Griffin and Oliver, and his sister Yvonne Duerden (Tony) of Barnoldswick, Lancashire. He will also be deeply missed by many close friends and professional colleagues.

Derek graduated from Liverpool University in medicine in 1966. He trained as a psychiatrist and worked as a lecturer before coming to Canada in 1973. He joined the Forensic Services Commission in 1979 and worked his way through the ranks, eventually spending 20 years as Executive Director. He became one of the preeminent forensic psychiatrists in Canada and in the world. He worked with numerous international researchers and clinicians, introducing innovative assessment and treatment techniques, including risk assessment methods now used worldwide. He was a Clinical Professor at UBC but spent much of his time at SFU, helping to make it a renowned centre of forensic research and teaching. He was rewarded with several honours and prizes, notably the Chancellor’s Award from SFU. He ended his professional career as Vice-President of Medicine and Research at Riverview Hospital and in private practice, working on many notable criminal cases in BC and elsewhere. He founded the International Association of Forensic Mental Health Services, the leading organization for forensic practitioners.

In retirement, he and Christine travelled extensively, most recently visiting Italy to indulge his passion for Roman history. He was a lifelong supporter of Liverpool FC and a loyal follower of the Vancouver Whitecaps. He travelled to several World Cups to support England. He was a regular tennis player, a lover of opera, and was addicted to the Globe & Mail cryptic crossword, super fiendish Sudoku puzzles and hard fought daily Scrabble games with Chris.

A private family service will be followed by a Celebration of Life to be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the ALS Society of BC and the Canadian Cancer Foundation. The family would like to thank the ALS Centre at GF Strong and the Pacific Spirit Palliative Home Care team for their much appreciated support.