Wilson Beverley Richard

WILSON Captain Beverley Richard (Dick) passed away peacefully on February 19, 2008, at Brock Fahrni Pavilion. Dick was born in Vancouver on May 22, 1918, the only child of Walter and Mildred Wilson. He is survived by his cousin John (Diane) Malo of South Surrey, their children Cayley and Jonathan; and cousin Mary Jane Malo (Andrew Wakefield) of Auckland, NZ, and their children Kiri and Sam; and by many loyal and supportive friends around the world who will miss him dearly. After graduating from Vancouver Technical School, Dick was lured to sea for a life of adventure that most people only dream of. He started as an apprentice seaman and eventually became a Master Mariner as he served under the ensigns of Great Britain, America, Panama, Australia, New Zealand, and New Guinea before finally sailing under a Canadian ensign in 1946. While in the Merchant Navy, Dick experienced first hand many historical events such as the 1940 evacuation of Dunkirk and the 1941 bombing of Pearl Harbor. Near the end of the war, Dick was commissioned as an officer in the USNR and captained a Standard Oil of California tanker used to fuel British warships. Among his many decorations for his war efforts, he was awarded the Order of the British Empire. He was part of the 1997 Canadian delegation that attended the 80th anniversary celebration of Vimy Ridge. After the war, Dick joined the Canadian Naval Reserve and was a Commander when he retired. Following his career in the Merchant Navy, Dick also held jobs as marine superintendent for the Columbia Cellulose Co., instructor with the D.O.T. Navigation School, shipping inspector with the Shipping Federation of BC, instructor with the Pacific Marine Training Institute, and volunteer with the Sea Cadet program. Special thanks to Dr. Nora Etches and the staff at Brock Fahrni for their exception care. No service by request. Donations may be made to the charity of your choice. O Captain! My Captain! The ship is anchor'd safe and sound, its voyage closed and done. Rest in peace, Dick.

Published on February 23, 2008