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)   

ALLEN, Captain Harry Milton

February 12, 1930 - September 9, 2024

Harry's ship has sailed.
This wonderful man was loved by so many, respected by so many, and inspired so many.
Harry played many roles. To family, he was a husband, father, grandpa, great-grandpa and uncle. He was born, and grew up, in Vancouver. His career along the west coast of British Columbia led him from working on tugboats, to ship's Captain, then B.C. Coast Pilot and President of the BC Coast Pilots' Association. A very social person, Dad spent many years participating in activities and fundraising with the community charitable group of Van Zor Grotto.
Harry was predeceased by his loving wife, Josey (nee Stedham).
His family includes his three daughters, Susan, Sandra (Peter), and Sydney (Ron). We are also known as the '3 SEAs'. Dad insisted that our names reflected his career on the water. So 'Harry'! We remain proud of that connection to him.
We three will be focusing on celebrating his life with his six grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, partners, extended family and his loving friend, Joyce.
We'll post when the celebration of life will be, on the Maple Ridge Funeral Chapel Tribute page; Captain Harry Milton Allen Obituary | Maple Ridge Funeral Chapel
Please direct any enquiries in a private FB message to Syd Bosel.
Sadly, he is gone. Happily, we were there as he concluded his journey. Hands held and feelings shared.
Thankful for the time we had together, Dad. Thankful for you.

FOSTER, Barry Thomas

May 3, 1953 - 2024

Barry Thomas Foster was born May 3, 1953 in New Westminster, BC. He passed away unexpectedly in July 2024 in Enderby, BC.

The second eldest of four siblings, Barry grew up around Burnaby and the lower mainland. He left school in grade 11 and worked on the Westminster tug boats. In 1992, Barry moved his family to the Shuswap. Later, he lived in Chase and Enderby.

Barry loved fishing and being outdoors. He was an amazing fisherman who fished everywhere. He spent a lot of time at Harper Lake near Chase, where he was known as the 1st unofficial "mayor" of Harper Lake. A great storyteller who was constantly cracking jokes, Barry was a kind, generous man who would give the shirt off his back and drop everything to help a person in need. Barry never met a hitchhiker too sketchy to pick up; he would always say that he hoped someone would do the same for him if he was down on his luck. Dad was full of sage advice, such as "if you're having a party, go around and invite your neighbours. People are way less likely to call the cops on a party they were invited to." He loved being a dad and often said having kids was the best thing he ever did.

Barry was predeceased by his sister Cathy (1979), his father Elton (2010), brother Alan (2016), and mother Marie (2020). He is survived by his older brother Gerry (Shelia); his children Sarah (Jorin), Jesse, Sam, and his grandchildren, Jameson and Isla. He also leaves behind extended family and many friends.

We love you Dad!

A celebration of Barry's life will be announced at a later date. Please share memories and condolences at www.fischersfuneralservices.com.

BLAKE, Capt. Hal

Passed away July 21, 2024

Captain Hal Blake passed away on the morning of July 21st after a battle with cancer at the age of 86. 

Hal was initially employed with the marine division of Island Tug, merger with Vancouver Tug to become Seaspan, came ashore and worked In the Dispatch

Department, Port Captains, and Marine Personnel Department.  Hal took early retirement at the end of March 2001.   Hal’s wife, Sandi passed in 2015 and he

Hal is survived by a son, Terry, and sisters-in-law, Bobbi and Hilary.   No service at Hal’s request.