MERCER, Captain Edward 'Ted'

DOB: October 14, 1942

DOP: March 7, 2026

On Saturday, March 7, 2026, Edward "Ted" Mercer suddenly and unexpectedly passed away, leaving his broken-hearted wife and saddened family, friends and colleagues. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Donna Mary; his sister Jean Murphy (Ken); nieces Nancy Barberie, Patti Barberie, and Jill Dubuc (Bert); nephew Jay Barberie (Nicole); great-nieces Katrina Jaehrlic, Kaitlyn Dubuc, Danielle Barberie, and Lila Barberie; and great-nephews Josh Dubuc and Dylan Barberie.

In 1908, Ted's grandfather Edward Mercer and his great-uncle William started the historic Star Shipyards (Mercer's) in New Westminster. A restructuring of the business in 1927 brought in Edward's sons Arthur and Gordon, who continued the family business until 1970.

Ted was born in New Westminster on October 14, 1942, to Margaret and Arthur (Art) Mercer. Ted began his maritime career by first joining the Marine Division of Ocean Concrete in 1963 as a deckhand, and, with completed courses and certification, joined Lafarge Canada in 1968 as Ship's Master. In November 1989, he began his apprenticeship and was appointed Pilot 267 as a BC Coastal Pilot in June 1990. This was one of Ted's lifelong goals. With this distinction came the physical requirements of being lowered from a helicopter wire to the back of the ship he was piloting, as well as climbing the sides of ships many decks high. Courses to update his piloting skills took him to Florida, Rhode Island, Poland and France. Ted continued to perform these duties until his retirement at the age of 78.

A man of action with many talents, life was never dull. He owned a power boat for water skiing and boating excursions. Ted climbed the Grouse Grind daily in the early hours, noting on the calendar a total of 3,830 times at 40 minutes each. Ted worked out with fitness classes and weight training, or spin cycle, daily.

He and Donna Mary travelled to Bora Bora, Mexico, Britain, Eastern Canada, and spent holidays together in Turks & Caicos, Maui, or Waikiki.

He maintained a meticulously manicured garden, restored his 1981 Corvette himself and completed complex renovations in two homes.

Ted is greatly missed by those who loved him.

"And all I ask is a merry yarn from a laughing fellow-rover; and a quiet sleep and a sweet dream when the long trick's over." John Masefield, Sea Fever

A celebration of life will be held in September. Please contact a family member for details.

FOWLIS, Allen Metcalfe

DOB: October 20, 1934

DOP: July 31, 2026

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Allen M. Fowlis on July 31, 2026. Allen is lovingly remembered by his wife of 68 years Ruth, daughters Lisa and Sarah and son John; grandchildren Kerstina, Andrew, Jessica, Julie, and David; great grandchildren Lena, Sophia, and Eve; many nephews and nieces from the Fowlis and James’ families.

Born in Transcona Manitoba in 1934, Allen attained a designation as a Chartered Accountant from the University of Manitoba in 1956, After university, Allen moved to Vancouver BC and in 1958 joined Vancouver Tugboat Co. Ltd., which later became Seaspan. Allen’s career with Seaspan would span 40 years, with him becoming president and CEO in 1977. He remained CEO until his retirement in 1999. Beyond his role at Seaspan, Allen was also very active in the community. He was president of the BC Board of Trade 1985-86, a Fellow of the Institute of BC Chartered Accountants. He was also a senator of the Sovereign Order of St. John of Jerusalem, Knights Hospitaller and a member of YPO/WPO.

Throughout his life Allen has been involved in music, and his church, he was still performing in the Pinnacle Peak Presbyterian church choir right up to Christmas 2025. He also regularly attended opera and symphony performances. Allen was an avid golfer and curler, a longtime member of both the Vancouver Curling Club and Point Grey Golf Club. In retirement, Allen and Ruth spent many years enjoying winters in Scottsdale, AZ, as a member of Pinnacle Peak Country Club and summers in Vancouver and on the BC Sunshine Coast.

Allen was a remarkable father and grandfather, involved and supportive of all his children and grandchildren’s achievements and endeavors. He was also equally engaged with his extended family, friends, and acquaintances whether to share a conversation or a round of golf.

A Celebration of Allen’s life will be held at Canadian Memorial United Church, 1806 W 15th Ave, Vancouver, BC, on Wednesday August 19, 2026, at 3:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society as a memorial.

RILEY, Captain Daniel

DOB: August 27, 1960

DOP: July 14, 2026

Daniel Douglas Riley passed away unexpectedly on July 14, 2026, at the age of 65. Born on August 27, 1960, in Port Alberni, Danny lived a life filled with laughter, kindness, and a deep love for the ocean.

Danny was predeceased by his parents, Mickey and Doug Riley; his mother-in-law, Jean Sneddon; and several cherished friends and family members who meant so much to him.

He is lovingly remembered by his devoted wife, Eleanor; his daughter, Michayla; his son-in-law, Jesse; his step-grandchildren, Liam and Bauer; his brothers, Kerry and Mitch; his beloved puppy, Finley; as well as many extended family members and dear friends.

From a young age, Danny found peace on the water. What began as a love for the ocean became a lifelong career. He worked his way from deckhand to mate, eventually retiring as a respected skipper for various companies.

Many mornings found Danny at the Harbour Quay, enjoying a coffee with a scratch ticket and a newspaper in hand.

Danny loved to laugh and, even more, loved making others laugh. He will be remembered for his playful sense of humour, his mischievous pranks, and the countless jokes he shared with everyone he met.

He was always ready to lend a helping hand and could be counted on whenever someone needed him. Danny had a remarkable way of making people feel welcome, comfortable, and valued.

Above all, Danny was a generous and kind man with a heart of gold. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving him.

A Celebration of Life will be held on August 16, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the Italian Hall, where family and friends are invited to gather, share memories, and celebrate Danny’s life.

MCKECHNIE, CAPTAIN WILLIAM CECIL

DOB: DEC 30, 1941

DOP:MAY 18, 2026

Victoria, BC - Having had a long life, and a privileged upbringing, our Bill's remains are passing on to new adventures as his ashes will be drifting along with the currents on the Salish Sea off Victoria.

The North West coast of BC was his chosen love and playground during his life and a series of adventures on board several character boats. These included marrying Gail (nee Burnham) on the 'Dame Hortense' in Ocean Falls and building and living on a float home (Toad Hall) while attending law school at UBC. Bill and Gail raised 3 children, Rhys, Kendra and Bryna and 4 grandchildren, Odessa, Payden, Annie and Angus.

In 1972 Bill and Gail moved to Victoria from Vancouver where he joined Crease & Company as a junior Lawyer. However, practicing law was not a fit and it wasn't long before building and re-developing heritage properties became a passion. Bill became a founding member of the James Bay Community Association and participated in the anti-highrise movement that slowed the densification of James Bay.

Using his building skills Bill renovated a neglected McClure Mansion into the first Bed and Breakfast Inn in Victoria. An instant success, the 'Beaconsfield Inn' was followed by 'Abigail's Hotel' and 'Humboldt House' each of which is still contributing to the character and fabric of present-day Victoria. Bill developed many properties and was involved with several businesses during his time in Victoria, but the sea was calling.

In 1988 he found a deteriorating 70' Anglican Mission/Hospital Ship and spent three years rebuilding and converting it to an "adventure tourism" small cruise ship. After receiving his Masters certification and Captain papers from the Canadian Coast Guard, he began taking guests into the remote and interesting parts of our coast. The 'MV Columbia 111' and 'Mothership Adventures' is still sailing each spring between Victoria and Alaska, allowing guests to experience the Great Bear Rainforest and kayak through the pristine waterways of our coast.

With a passion for music, Bill spent 6 rewarding years with the 'Getting Higher Choir' learning the bass parts in this four-part harmony group. He described a highlight of this time when he was singing backup to Nelly Furtado on stage at the UVic theatre.

Dance and body movement brought him much joy as well as travelling around the world chasing his adult children in adventurous settings. Gardening was another passion. Bill led a small group of dedicated volunteers and planted the first veggie garden at BC's Government House. As a community service, Bill took the responsibility for the rebuilding and revitalization of the Compost Education Centre building in Fernwood. Serving as a trained volunteer at Victoria Hospice brought an awareness of how short life can be and a resulting emphasis on enjoying the moment while one can.

Bill requested a simple private ceremony with family members at the time of scattering of his ashes.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of William, please visit our floral store.

INGALLS, Captain Kenneth Robert

DOB: January 27, 1934

DOP: March 6, 2026

Ken Ingalls died on Friday March 6, 2026, in Port Moody. Those who knew him can speak to his kindness, integrity, and generosity. He was one of the last of a breed of true gentlemen and he will be truly missed.

Kenneth Robert Ingalls was born in New Westminster on January 27, 1934, to a family of mariners and future mariners. He worked for many years with Rivtow Straits before beginning a distinguished career as a BC Coast Pilot.

The only thing Ken loved more than the sea was his family, particularly his beautiful wife Sylvia Ingalls (née MacIntosh), who predeceased him in 2016. Ken leaves behind 4 loving stepchildren, their spouses and their families as well as the adoring extended families of both Ken and Sylvia.

There will be a small celebration of life for family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Crossroads Hospice Society in Port Moody.

HOY, Erik

DOP: February 11, 2026

Erik Hoy passed away on February 11, 2026.  Eric started with Seaspan on November 25, 1993, as a deckhand. He transferred ashore and worked as a Marine Dispatcher,

Later promoted to Assistant Manager, Marine Dispatch and then to Manager, Marine Dispatch. Erik worked well with others and had many friends within the industry.    

He had previously worked at False Creek Tug and Barge.                                               

WILSON, Capt. Gerald W.

DOB: Unknown

DOP: December 31, 2020

This write up was received as a photo from Gerry's son.

MARKLE, Gordon Robert

DOP: January 26,2026

Passed away January 26, 2026, in Vernon hospice. He went peacefully with his three children by his side. He is survived by his son Archie (Lynn), daughter Sandra, daughter Diane (Mike), stepson Charlie (Arlene), stepdaughter Lorna. 11 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, He was predeceased by his Son Gordy, his first wife Lorna, and his second wife Joyce. He is also remembered by his two siblings Donald and Judy (Ray).

He is also remembered by numerous nephews and nieces and many members of the various congregations that he was a part of as a minister of Jehovah's Witnesses for over 56 years.

Gordon had over 45 years in the tow boat Industry. Starting his career at Cates Towing in North Vancouver and advancing to a position of a marine engineer/deckhand. His lifelong love of being on the water led him to never leave Cates Towing until retirement.

A small celebration of life will be held at a later date.

UPPER, Captain Dave

DOB: June 23, 1941

DOP: January 8, 2026

Dave passed away peacefully at home in his 85th year after a brief bout with cancer.  

He was predeceased by his wife of 58 years Lady Di in 2018.  

He is survived by his children, Darleen and Danna (Gary), grandsons, Chris & Lucas, great granddaughter  Freya (who called him Dave Salmon), and Laurel Willman, his companion of recent years.  

Dave was a tugboat captain, commercial fisherman, trap shooter, fly fisherman (locally & to many exotic places) , hunter of big game (his last trip being in May of 2025 to Africa, a lifelong dream and was fondly remembered as Dagga Boy Dave after bagging an older cape buffalo (aka black death) by his PH Guide).  

He had a wicked sense of humor and recently published a book of poems and last but not least A Legend In His Own Mind! A life well lived.

UPDATE: 

 Celebration of Life on Saturday, April 25, at 12:30 – 2:30 at Bowser Legion Hall at 7035 Island Hwy.