Dr. Nelems was a constant light in the darkness of my journey with chronic pain. Throughout out years of uncertainty and misery - I was blessed to be referred to see Dr. Nelems.

I read up on him ahead of my first appointment and learned that he was an impressive surgeon - but upon meeting him - I immediately realized not only was he an impressive surgeon - he was also a very sincere, humble, empathetic man. I was struck with his compassion, warmth, and kindness. He took my hand and with such genuine care in his eyes, he told me that we were in this together - and he would be there every step along of the way of my recovery.

He is the only Doctor I have ever felt treated me as through I was a close friend. He made me feel like I was his most important patient, but watching him in the waiting room with his other patients - it was clear he had this special way of connecting with each of us, showing every patient they were truly cared for and at the heart of it - loved.


When my Husband (who is not a touchy feely person) would come to my appointments at the Hospital or Pain Clinic - Dr. Nelems would always pull him into a big hug. He would take both our hands, and lead us down the hallway all together, and most the time he would continue to hold our hands throughout the appointment. He just had this loving way about him.

I credit Dr. Nelems with my recovery. He really did stay true to his word that he would be with me every step along the way.

I am so honoured to have been lucky enough to know Dr. Nelems. He was a beautiful person, and I hope we can each do our best to emulate as many of his positive attributes in our daily lives - the world would be a better place for it.

My sincerest condolences to his family,

Submitted April 9, 2017

An absolutely awesome man. Several years ago Dr. Nelems was instrumental in my husband's diagnosis and surgery and recovery from lung cancer and basically saved his life. He repeatedly answered my husband questions always thoroughly and with compassion. A couple years ago I started to see Dr. Nelems for chronic pain. When my husband and I met with him for my first appointment, he recognized my husband and in his busy waiting room, enveloped him with a hug and announced "this is my miracle man". I truly believe that this wonderful man said the same words to 100's if not 1000's of people in the many years of his career(s). It saddened me a great deal to learn of his passing. He truly was a remarkable person. RIP

Submitted April 5, 2017

This Dr is my hero as through Thoracic surgery he stopped a headache that lasted over 3 yrs. He has helped me immensely with injections due to pain in neck and low back. He was the most pleasant , friendly and so knowledgeable. We have lost an angel, RIP Bill.

Submitted April 5, 2017

Dr. Nelems was the best doctor I have ever had. Total compassion, excellent knowledge and his committment to his patients was unsurpassed. Shocked to hear of his sudden passing. I will miss his encouragement and his positivity! And those hugs...Thank you Dr. Nelems for all you did for me. Rest in Peace.

Submitted April 5, 2017

This man is truly amazing.. and to think he worked way past retirement to help people. He did nothing but help me.. keep my spirits high and told me never to worry, he would get me to be pain free... sadly his life was cut short and now leaving me limbo.. I'll never forget his affectionate ways, smile and corizma. Great dr ... Great surgeon... will be truly missed. rest in peace ❤

Submitted April 4, 2017

The most amazing dr. I have ever know. The biggest heart and helped me so much. I'm so saddened by his lost... I feel like I've lost a grandpa and dr My heart goes out to his family❤

Submitted April 4, 2017

By far the best Doctor I have ever met. And his staff are incredible! He was caring and compassionate and always listened to my concerns. I saw Dr. Nelems (Bill) for 2 years for a chronic pain condition. He was the first doctor I had seen who really felt he could do something to help reduce some of my pain associated with my condition. His smile and big hugs every 3 weeks were something I looked forward to. I was heartbroken to hear today that he had passed away on the weekend. He has had a very busy and successful career and touched so many lives and now it is his turn to rest.

Submitted April 3, 2017

Bill has been a friend and mentor for many years. He has been my wife's pain specialise for the last 3. Absolutely amazing man. Deeply saddened at his passing suddenly last Saturday. He leaves a huge gap and will be horribly missed in the world medical community..

Submitted April 3, 2017

The most compassionate doctor I have ever met. The staff are so nice. Don't think I could of made it through the last few years without them

Submitted March 25, 2017

If this is Dr. Nelems from South Africa I have lived a nightmare since 1990. I was rendered a paraplegic with multiple injuries from a car accident. I had very bad lung infections that the Doctors at University Hospital in Vancouver could not figured out. Dr. Nelems was brought in to help. I finally had a barium swallow that found small holes in my esophogus . The Doctor who was in charge of the x-ray told me that this would heal on it's own with a little time. I felt very good that they found the issue. Approximately 1 hour later Dr. Nelems came into my room and told me I had a problem that maybe 100 people in the world had. He told me my esophogus had gone neurcrotic and if it wasn't taken out it could pass to my other organs and kill me. I had total faith in his words but was told later after he had already taken my esophogus out that the biopsy was negative for his assessment of my condition. I have lived in misery since this surgery. Yes he was very quick to do this surgery. The same night after 1 x-ray he had made his decision to do this awful procedure. I have scarring on my lungs from acid jumping from my stomach directly into my lungs. I thought I was dying many times. My stomach is next to my heart. He was rude to my now ex wife during his explanation. I'm sure he has helped many more than he has hurt. I feel my life is coming to an end and had to get my feelings off my chest. I hope no one lives my depressing life.

Submitted Dec. 24, 2016