October 9, 1925 - January 25, 2019
On Saturday, January 19, 2019, Dr. Augustine Joseph Cunningham, loving father of eight children, passed away at age 93. Gus was born on October 9, 1925, in Woolton, Liverpool, UK, to Augustine and Clara (Meehan) Cunningham.
He received his medical degree from the University of Liverpool, School of Tropical Medicine in 1949. For the next 54 years, he practiced and taught in UK, Ireland, Tanzania, Australia, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Uganda, Hong Kong, and Oman. Gus also volunteered his medical services in Fatima, Portugal; Medjugorje, Bosnia and in India with Mother Teresa. He was a long-time member of the Knights of Columbus and the Rotary.
In February 1952, he married Mary (Molly) Bolton Stubbins. Together they raised eight children, Kevin (Lisa), Mark (Sheila), Paul, Peter (RIP) (Nicky), Jacinta (Steve), Augustine (RIP), Lucia (Byron (RIP)) and Mary (Mark). Gus is survived by his sisters Clare and Nuala (Paul) and in-laws Dusty and Brian. He lovingly leaves the legacy of 13 grandchildren: Chelsey (Mark), Brendan, Adam, Summer, Fiona, Molly, Frances, Mieran, Kyle, Calista, Finn, Pippa, and great-granddaughter Makay. Also survived by several cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Gus was an avid story teller who had a passion for history and loved to hike and fish. Some of his favourite times were spent enjoying the outdoors in Woss, Gold River, and the west coast of Vancouver Island; although he loved the time spent in Siliguri, at the foothills of the Himalayas. Gus will be remembered for his beautiful smile, and his kind and compassionate spirit. A heartfelt thank you to the staff at James Bay Lodge for the kind, considerate, and respectful care of Gus in his final months.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, January 30, 2019, at St. Andrews Cathedral, 710 View Street, Victoria, at 12 noon with a Reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to your local church.