BATCHELOR, Captain David

DOB: May 31, 1942

DOP: May 26, 2025

In Loving Memory of David William Batchelor

With broken hearts, we share the sudden passing of David on Monday, May 26, 2025.

David was born in Lymington, England. The family lived in North Harrow for many years, before his parents moved to the Isle of Wight, where he met his wife Penny and they married in 1968. Their firstborn, Ian, followed soon after in late 1968 and Christopher in 1973.

David’s life was deeply shaped by the ocean. From his early days in the Sea Cadets in England to his career with British Petroleum, beginning as a Navigation Apprentice and eventually qualifying as Master Mariner, his love for the sea was lifelong.

In 1974, he courageously moved his family to Canada, continuing his service with the Canadian Coast Guard where he helped save lives and trained others with care and commitment. His leadership later extended to the Pacific Pilotage Authority starting as Operations Supervisor and later General Manager, where he brought wisdom and dedication to his work. In his own time, he spent many hours volunteering with the Mission to Seafarers, both serving on the Board of Directors and at the Flying Angel Club at Deltaport.

Even in retirement, David’s passion didn’t fade. He launched a home-based business and remained connected to the maritime community until 2012. Once his wife Penny retired, he closed his business but continued to give back by volunteering with the Delta Police, contributing his time at the local thrift shop, and serving in various ministries and Parish Council at Saint Anne’s, where his faith and dedication touched many.

David’s family was very important to him and he spent time coaching his sons’ sports teams, always being a part of their important life events and most importantly being a positive role model and influence in their lives. The family enjoyed many camping holidays and weekend visits with close family friends. As Ian and Chris grew and ‘moved on’, David and Penny continued their camping adventures travelling all through BC and the USA together. The high point of their travels was taking a trip around the world – never to be forgotten!

David was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He was predeceased by his beloved son Ian and his dear sister Anne. He leaves behind his cherished wife of nearly 57 years, Penny; his loving son Chris and daughter-in-law Alba; and his treasured grandchildren: Taylor, Katelyn, Trevor, Meghan, Ocean, Jake, Blayke, and Kobey, each of whom brought immense pride and joy to his life. He is also survived by his dear sister Valerie, and niece and nephews Karen (Mark), Peter (Susan), and Matthew (Kathy). David will be deeply missed by extended family in the UK and a wide circle of friends whose lives he touched with his kindness, generosity, and gentle spirit.

David was a man of quiet strength, sharp wit, and profound love for his family. His stories, laughter, and warm presence will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

A celebration of David’s life will be held on Thursday, June 19 at 2:00 pm at St Anne's Anglican Church, 4071 Francis Road, Richmond, BC

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mission to Seafarers, Vancouver, in honour of David’s generous spirit and lifelong service.

GAZZOLA, Rino

DOB: April 13, 1935

DOP: May 8, 2025

Rino Gazzola, age 90, of Surrey, British Columbia passed away on Thursday, May 8, 2025.

Born in 1935 In Riese Pio X. The home of Pope Pius the 10th. Grew up through the second world war, and lost a few family members because of it. When he was old enough, he went to Switzerland and worked on a ranch there, to earn enough money to emigrate to Canada in 1954.

He landed in Montreal, went to Immigration, and got a job the next day working in construction.

He did that for a while, until he landed a job on the CPR train, that travelled across Canada.

He wound up settling in Winnipeg.

He was there for 10 months, when on his first winter there he nearly froze his ears off. That was enough for him to leave, and finally settling down in Vancouver, while still working for the CPR.

Once in Vancouver he transferred to the CPR Ferries. While working there he met my mom, (Paula), and got married. I, Mark Gazzola, came along in 1958. Rino quit the CPR, and went into Structural steel construction, which wound him up working on the second narrows bridge. However the day of the tragic collapse, he didn’t go into work that day. My mom was an RN, and specialized in home care, so an opportunity came along to get work in Seattle working on the Evergreen Point Floating Bridge over lake Washington, where one of my mom’s clients lived. In order for my dad to work in the US he had to get a guarantee from someone who would vouch for him.

My mom’s client put up an $80 K bond so he could work there.

That turned out to be a very big money maker for him, until Uncle Sam came knocking wanting him to join the army.

That wasn’t going to happen, so we came back to Canada. My dad got a job working for the City of Vancouver, Water Works Department, and worked there till the late 60’s. My mom passed in 1968, so he opened an electronics store on West Broadway, did well with it, and sold the business around 1970.

He then went into Heavy machinery operation, driving big bulldozers and excavation machinery, for about a year and a half.

That is when he got a job working for Seaspan working on tugs up the coast, the Harbour, and River.

He worked there until he retired in 1996.

In 1975 he met my second mom, (Marie), and they moved out to Surrey, and that is where they have stayed till this day. Marie passed in 2019, so he has been on his own since then. His one desire was to never having to go into a home, and that is the way things worked out.

Friday,June 06, 2025     LIVESTREAM (Please click on obituary link for more information)

Funeral Service

11:00 am - 11:30 am

First Memorial Funeral Services, Fraser Heights Chapel

14835 Fraser Highway
Surrey, BC V3R3N6

DOLMAGE, Captain William (Bill) Stewart

DOB: APRIL 12, 1946

DOP: OCTOBER 27, 2024

An amazing man

Captain William (Bill) S Dolmage, born April 12th, 1946, took his final sail in the early hours of October 27th, 2024, as he passed away peacefully after a brief battle with cancer at the North Shore Hospice.

Lovingly remembered and very much missed, he leaves behind his 3 children: Laura, Neil, and Kim, his granddaughters; Rylee, Shay & Kianna. Margareth, his siblings; John, Susan, Wendy, their families and many more family friends and colleagues.

North Vancouver has been his home for most of his life when not away working on the boats. He has spent the past decade sharing a home with his eldest daughter and granddaughter, whom he helped raise and take care of. Bill was at his happiest being on the water, spending time with his children and grandchildren supporting them and cheering them on in their sports, or in his chair cuddling with his 2 cats and watching a favorite classic show.

In his younger years, Bill attended Vernon Preparatory School. Starting at the age of 15, he went to work during the summers on the ‘Cedarwood’, doing seismic exploratory work for Shell Oil off the West Coast.

After graduating from Saint Georges School in 1966, Bill went to work for Pacific Towing, where he learned the tricks of log towing and he attained his 350 Ton Masters certificate in 1970.

In 1972, Bill and his brother, John, formed Hattco Marine Services, and operated water taxis, small tugs, and barges out of Vancouver Harbour. He bought out his brother in 1977, and then sold the operation to Tymac Launch Service. He then bought, and ran the ‘Conuma Trojan’, and contracted to Tahsis. Years later, he returned to Vancouver and operated up and down the Coast, eventually selling the ‘Conuma Trojan’ and taking over the ‘Gilking’. Bill ran her for several years, mostly log towing with some barge work, before going back to Pacific Towing to work in the office.

When many are thinking of retiring, Bill went to the Island to continue his love for log towing. He ran tugs for for a number of years; towing logs South to the River, or other coastal areas.

Later on, Bill had continued working for several marine companies; towing log barges to and from Haida Gwaii, towing scrap to Tacoma, and delivering fish feed up the Central Coast.

Lastly, he ran charter boats out of Coal Harbour and False Creek for Magic Yacht Charters and other privately owned vessels, right up until he went into the hospital.

When the calls came, he was always ready and willing to make another trip.

Bill is regarded by many who knew him or worked for him, as the finest log tower on the Coast. As well, he was a great barge man and a mentor to many. His knowledge of tides and weather trends was unmatched, and he was always keen to teach his crews or share his knowledge with anyone interested. Many people who worked with him agree that no other Captain taught them as much or as passionately as ”Billy” did, and they always enjoyed being part of his crew.

We would like to invite everyone who knew him, to share their memories and photos for all to see and enjoy.

https://memories.lifeweb360.com/william-stewart-dolmage

A gathering and final sail to remember the good times will be held on April 27th, 2025, with Magic Yacht Charters out of Coal Harbour.

Boarding will be at 1pm, sailing 2pm – 5pm.

Please send your RSVP to: captainsfarewell@gmail.com, so that we are be able to plan accordingly for numbers, if you are sailing with us.

GODFROID, Captain Jan 

Former Seaspan Captain

Passed away on July 30, 2023

No other information available at this time

HANNA, William Thomas (Tom)

DOB: January 8, 1951

DOP: March 21, 2025

In loving memory ~

He was the loving husband of Brenda and father of Nick Hanna (Ashley), James Hanna (Alicia), and Jeremy Hanna (Kelsey). He will also be dearly missed by his sisters Kathy (John), Kerry (Bob), Dave (Coral), Rob (Sarri), his granddaughter Peyton, and his many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Bill and Lucy Hanna.

Tom had a love for engines, boats, and cars. He worked on various towboat companies around Nanaimo, leading him to 27 years with Seaspan. Tom enjoyed camping and fishing with his wife and 3 boys. He is also leaving behind his loved pets Shilo and Callie, and many close family and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.

HORN, Captain David Maxwell

DOB: March 14, 1939

DOP: March 9, 2025

David Horn passed away peacefully on March 9, 2025, in Abbotsford, BC, at 85. Born in Mission, he spent nearly his entire life in Silverdale. He was a respected captain for Rivtow Straits for 42 years and the proud founder of Allwood Custom Saw, with his craftsmanship featured worldwide.

David is survived by his loving wife of 29 years, Jackie, children Paul (Tracy), Patrick, and Pamela (Gord), stepson Dan, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended stepfamily. He was predeceased by his son, Peter. His many beloved dogs and cats were also family.

A passionate outdoorsman and well-known community figure, David will be deeply missed. As he wished, his ashes will be scattered at Paw Hill. A service will be announced later.

VATER, Roy

Date of birth: Unknown

Date of Passing: February 24, 2025

With heavy hearts, we announce the death of Roy Vater (Duncan, British Columbia), who passed away on February 24, 2025. Leave a sympathy message to the family on the memorial page of Roy Vater to pay them a last tribute.

In the vast expanse of eternity, Roy shall find rest, cradled in the arms of everlasting peace. And as we bid Roy farewell, his loved ones carry with them the precious gift of his memory, a beacon of hope guiding them through the shadows of sorrow towards the light of a new dawn.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice.

WESTBY, Oliver Peder Ingvald

Dates of birth and passing are approximate.

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Oliver Peder Ingvald Westby in Burnaby, BC, at the age of 88. He is survived by daughter Kris, son Geoff and their families. Oliver was born in rural Alberta in 1936 and moved around a lot in his long life. He lived in various locations throughout Alberta, BC, and Norway and travelled to numerous countries during his five decades at sea. Oliver worked for Seaspan for many years and was a proud member of the Master Mariners of Canada. He will be missed by all who loved him. A Celebration of Life to honour Oliver will be held on Saturday, April 5, at 1p.m. in North Vancouver. If you plan to attend, please email akadler@telus.net for location and other details.

BURTON, William Burton

Passed away approximately June 2024 

Bill was employed with Cates from April 1961, merging with Seaspan and Bill’s normal retirement year would have been 2010.

Bill is survived by his wife Donna and brothers-in-law Dave and Ed Cannon. 

(if anyone has more information on Bill’s passing please email:  dianebrown@telus.net  and we will add to the Ancient Mariner posting)