On April 30th, long time Whaletown resident David F. Hiatt passed away in his home. His beloved wife of 48 years, Ann Hiatt (Sack), was by his side.

David was born on July 6th, 1930 in Richmond, Indiana to James M. Hiatt and Naiomi Hiatt (Edgerton.) David grew up in Richmond and he attended nearby Earlham College, majoring in American Literature. After graduation he went on to complete graduate school at the University of New Mexico. In 1960 he earned a PhD in American Literature. Over the next 30 years, (now) Dr. David Hiatt taught literature at several post secondary institutions including Caroll College, The University of Maryland, and the University of New Mexico. In 1971, David, along with his wife Ann, immigrated to Canada and settled in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. He then taught at the University in Saskatchewan for over 20 years. In his time as a professor, David published poems and other works, and was sought out to edit a book about William Dean Howells.

Upon his retirement in 1991, and after an extensive search of British Columbia and the Gulf Islands, David and Ann moved to Cortes Island. David would often say that “as soon as my feet landed on Cortes, I knew this was the place.” Retirement did not slow David down, over next the 30 years David brought both immeasurable and measurable benefits to the island. At age 62 David became a licensed Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) with BC Ambulance. He worked alongside his wife Ann, who was also a licenced EMR. In 1992 David successfully petitioned BCEHS to establish a more permanent and functional ambulance station that could provide much needed prehospital care. David did not stop there and in 1993 began the journey, along with Ron Croda, to establish the Cortes Community Health Association (CCHA) which included a resident physician. David served on the board as President and Treasurer over the next 3 years.

David was well known to be generous with community members. Supporting people and individuals in many ways to achieve goals which ultimately made the island a better place. He was involved heavily in ecological works throughout the years, mapping detailed information for foreshore surveys with Ann and members of the community. David also loved his garden and he was a skilled banjo player. He was deeply knowledgeable about the local bird and wildlife population. He absolutely loved this special place called Cortes Island.

David Hiatt is survived by his wife Anne Hiatt, 3 sons, Samuel D. Hiatt (Dawn Hiatt), Benjamin E. Hiatt, Simon A. Hiatt (Joy Hiatt), his 2 grandchildren Tara J. Hiatt & Ginger P. Hiatt and is preceded by his daughter Sarah A. Hiatt. His family will miss him and will remember him best for his sense of humour, strong will and work ethic.

We will keep him in our hearts and thoughts, remembering the lessons he shared.
A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.

The Hiatt family understands that David touched many lives and that he has been a respected member of the community for many years. They know many will want to support the family and show their appreciation for David during this tough time. We ask that considering the ongoing pandemic, any shows of supports and visits be arranged with a phone call. We also ask to take the appropriate precautions where necessary to protect yourself.

The Hiatt Family asks that in leu of flowers, donations be made to Canadian Doctors Without Borders. https://www.doctorswithoutborders.ca/