David Johnson, our beloved family member, a gifted scientist, and a great appreciator of nature, was born in Vancouver and grew up in Victoria, where he attended Sir James Douglas School and Oak Bay High School. After enrolling in the Air Force Cadets while studying physics at UBC, he served in Canada and France as an air traffic controller in the ROTP program. David and Elizabeth married in 1966 and moved to Ottawa, where they raised two children, Margaret and Malcolm, moving back to BC in 1990.

David applied his physics training and creativity to solve problems at the human/technology interface. Working first for the federal government and then BCIT, he saved lives by improving methods for anesthesia, implantation, and other procedures. David and colleagues founded a company to develop the FAST 1, a device for intraosseous infusion. The device, for which he received a Medical Design Excellence Award, is still in use by emergency services.

During his career, David published about 60 articles on topics related to biomedical engineering and health. He was proud of his work as a leader and member of professional societies such as the BC Medical Devices Industry Association, Canadian Association of Physicists, International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), and International Organization for Standardization (ISO). David also taught science at UBC, Capilano College, and SFU.

After retirement, David and Elizabeth enjoyed the beautiful environment of Metchosin, BC, where they designed and built a house, with much of the construction done by hand in David’s workshop. David loved working with his hands, and could often be found repairing household items or fixing cars. Together with Elizabeth, he volunteered as a ham radio operator for the Emergency Operations Centre in Metchosin. He eagerly pursued many interests such as travelling, camping, playing the flute and bagpipes, baking and food science, anthropology, swimming in Matheson Lake, cycling, woodworking, and outings with Standard Poodles Luna, Soleil, Stella, and Mackenzie.

David was a loving and caring husband, father, son, and brother, who was attentive and considerate to his family and friends. He was active and energetic throughout his life, never slowing down until he developed Alzheimer’s in his later years. “Keep calm and carry on” was one of his favourite sayings, and indeed, despite the illness, he continued to swim, walk, read mystery novels, and take care of household chores. The Johnson family is grateful for our friends and neighbours in BC and elsewhere who have expressed support and shared fond memories. David will be missed by his wife Elizabeth, children Margaret and Malcolm (Kira), two grandchildren, sister Nancy, as well as friends across North America. If desired, donations can be made to the Sierra Club of BC.