UBC lost a great friend and longtime supporter with the passing of Dr. Don Rix late in 2009. Over the years Dr. Rix gave millions of dollars to UBC, but above and beyond those gifts he was passionate about education and gave freely of his experience, leadership and wisdom.
Most recently, the Faculty of Education received its largest-ever gift when Don and his daughter Laurie established the Eleanor Rix Professorship in Rural Teacher Education, in memory of Don’s wife. Dr. Linda Farr Darling, former Associate Professor in Curriculum and Pedagogy at UBC, was appointed to this position in September 2009.
Don was born in Ontario and attended the University of Western Ontario, where he obtained his BA in 1953 and MD in 1957. His fascination with diagnostic medicine led to his involvement with, and eventual leadership of, Metropolitan Biomedical Laboratories. Over the years the company grew through acquisition and expansion, eventually becoming MDS Metro and then LifeLabs. Similarly, he grew Cantest into one of Canada’s leading industrial labs.
Don joined the UBC Faculty of Medicine in 1966, and from then on his impact took many forms, from capital investment in UBC’s infrastructure to personal relationships with faculty members and students. He provided sage advice and strategic counsel, fostered relationships with the community, and supported medical research.
Through the Rix Bursary in Medicine, Don supported dozens of students for whom a medical education would have been out of reach financially. Through the Dr. Donald Rix Northern Health Sciences Centre, he created a home for UBC’s Northern Medical Program. He also established the BC Leadership Chair in Early Childhood Development and supported the Program Office for
Laboratory Quality Management, the Michael Smith Memorial Fellowship, the John M.S. Lecky UBC Boathouse, and the Donald Rix Building, which promotes high-tech industry.
Don’s support of UBC has not ended with his passing. Through his estate UBC will continue to benefit from Don’s lifelong generosity and commitment to learning, teaching and research.
Providing for a gift to UBC in your will is straightforward. Any member of our Gift and Estate Planning staff can supply specific wording that will ensure your wishes are carried out. Please contact us.
