VALLANCE, Dr. Maelor

July 7, 1933 - April 10, 2021

Maelor passed away peacefully on April 10, 2021. He was predeceased by his parents, Kivy and Minnie Volinsky, his brothers Samuel, Harry, Reuben and sister Esther. He is lovingly survived by his wife Muriel, daughters Susan (Alastair), Wendy, Hilary (Stan), Ruth (Tim), and grandchildren Rebecca (Jordan), Adam, Naomi, Jacob and Sam.

He was born in Glasgow and attended Hutchesons' (Hutchie) Grammar School at the urging of his older brother Reuben. Maelor resisted the idea of Hutchie but when he took the entrance exam he claimed he was tricked as the questions were so interesting he could not help but excel.

Maelor contracted polio at the age of 16 and spent many months convalescing in hospital where he learned to play poker and smoke cigarettes with injured soldiers. Over those many months he was visited by friends and classmates. One frequent visitor was to become his wife, Muriel.

He entered medicine at the University of Glasgow and obtained his specialization in psychiatry. Maelor married Muriel in 1956. Fast forward to 1965 and wishing to provide for his young family, Maelor accepted a position at Riverview Psychiatric Hospital and emigrated to Canada, arriving in Vancouver on a snowy January day. Shortly thereafter, he established his private practice.

Maelor revelled being at the intersection of psychiatry and law as well as being a mentor to many young interns and residents. He became Chairman of the Forensic Psychiatric Commission. He was particularly proud to be appointed a lay bencher of the Law Society of British Columbia and achieving the status of life bencher. He was also involved in his community and served as president of the Jewish Community Centre.

He provided wise counsel to friends, family and many in the medical and legal community. Whenever a difficult problem arose, Maelor's opinion was sought. His insight and clarity and probing questions aided in finding a solution.

Maelor and Muriel opened their home to many out of town visitors and hosted dinner parties to a wonderfully eclectic group of friends. What brought him the most joy were family Friday night dinners and being with his grandchildren. He will be missed by his many friends, colleagues and extended family in Manchester and Glasgow.

Maelor's memorial service will be on April 15th, 2021 at 7 PM with a livestream video for family and friends. Please consider making a donation in Maelor's name to the charity of your choice. May his memory be a blessing.