Lord Business - Remembering Dr. David Dix

DD & JZ - August 2017

We called him Lord Business, inspired by the main antagonist in The Lego Movie that came out in the same year as Jaxon's leukemia diagnosis. Though Dr. Dix had an imposing stature, he had a kind presence and obvious heart for the kiddos in his care - far from the villianous traits of the character who inspired the nickname we gave him. He got a kick out of it. 

His presence in the early days of Jaxon's diagnosis was reassuring - we knew we were in good hands. His optimism and quiet confidence buoyed us through those days of uncertainty. We knew we had some serious business to attend to, and trusted that he would be the one to guide us through.

JZ was only actively under his direct care for the first 6 weeks or so, while we remained in Vancouver right after diagnosis. Our primary care then transferred to our beloved Dr. Ewa and the pediatric oncology team at Victoria General Hospital. When we had to make occassional trips to "the mother ship" at BCCH over the next three years, we got to see Dr. Dix. 

Dr. Dix, JZ, Nurse Clinician Lucy, Marty, Mom
Celebrating the end of treatment in August 2017.

We knew from some of our friends in cancerland that DD was well-loved by his patients and their families. I'm sure he made mistakes and didn't always get things right, but we didn't hear much about that. It was through one of these families that we learned of his recent passing, and we're so sad that he's gone.

Though our interactions with him were limited, it feels as though we have lost a friend - probably because he was a central figure during the most challenging event of our lives so far.

I found this tribute online, and reading it makes me even more grateful that he was part of our story.

Dr. David Dix : June 8 1961 – Dec 11, 2025

David Dix, known affectionately to those close to him as “Double-D,” was an exceptional hematologist-oncologist, clinician, researcher, and educator whose impact was felt locally, nationally, and internationally.

After his initial training in South Africa and a brief career as a general practitioner in rural Alberta, David completed his Pediatric Residency (including serving as Chief Resident) and his Hematology-Oncology fellowship at BC Children’s Hospital. His first academic position was in Toronto at The Hospital for Sick Children, where he began his career as both a clinician and educator, serving as Program Director. He later returned to Vancouver, where he remained until the end of his career.

David was an active member of the Histiocyte Society, but his greatest impact was at the Children’s Oncology Group, where he served on the Renal Tumor Committee and as Site Principal Investigator for BC Children’s. He led the AREN0532 study that changed the standard of care for children with favorable histology Wilms tumor and LOH 1p/16q or lung metastatic disease — work that continues to benefit young patients around the world.

As Program Director for over a decade at BC Children’s Hospital, David was a beloved mentor, friend, and often the “Work Dad” to countless trainees who have gone on to successful careers across the globe. Everyone who trained at BCCH experienced the incredible care and hospitality that David and Susan showed — from summer barbecues in their backyard to living room Journal Clubs. David made everyone feel welcome and part of the team, often by giving them a special nickname, and he always remembered you, even years later. He could always be counted on to be a good sport (dressing up with his fellows) and was always game for dinner at a conference or a fun evening out.

What we will remember most is how David gave incredible guidance and support when we needed it most — both at work and in our personal lives. His tireless work in education was recognized with the Royal College Specialty Committee Chair Service Award in 2013 and the Outstanding Contribution Award from the UBC Postgraduate Medical Education Program in 2025. His career in research and education earned him the rank of Clinical Professor at the University of British Columbia.

David’s greatest legacy, however, lives in the memories of those of us who considered him a friend.

David passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, December 11th, surrounded by loved ones after treatment for cancer. He is survived by his beloved wife Susan, his loving daughters Olivia and Hayley, his new son-in-law Teague, and his cherished pup Phoebe.

May we all remember the wonderful life he lived, the lessons he taught us, and the support he so selflessly gave, as we toast him with a Coors Light (yes, we mocked his choice of beer), a Diet Coke, or most appropriately, with a large glass of Sauvignon Blanc with a few ice cubes thrown in — “South African” style.

– Friends and Colleagues from the Division of Hematology/Oncology/BMT

https://pediatrics.med.ubc.ca/2025/12/15/in-memory-of-dr-david-dix-june-8-1961-dec-11-2025/