ForeverMissed
Large image
RBW

 

To see Ratch's obituary, please go to the "His LIfe" section of this site. To add stories or your memories of Ratch, go to the "Stories" section.

 

                             +++Thank you for your love and friendship.+++

 

 

Tributes

Leave a tribute
Rosalie Knogler
October 23, 2011
October 23, 2011
My husband and I met Ratch at the Royal Victoria Yacht Club. He was a character and a kind man. Because of his advice I took my mother on a St Lawrence River cruise this summer. Our condolences to family and friends - may your memories sustain you at this time.
Chris Cochrane
October 23, 2011
October 23, 2011
Ratch ( then known as Ritchie) was our next door neighbour in childhood. We lived at 69 Rivercrest Rd in Toronto. Ratch grew up with my late sister Joan, my brothers Bob, Ken, the late Randy. Re-met him earlier this summer. He touched us as no one else. He's missed.
Brian Johnson
October 23, 2011
October 23, 2011
He had a presence...
If you knew him, you liked him!
It's been a real pleasure, Ratch
Sonja Morawetz
October 23, 2011
October 23, 2011
I worked with Ratch & partner Derek Harris-Lowe back in the late 60's when they ventured into the film business. More fun than work, he became a good friend & despite losing contact he remains bigger than life in my memories. Farewell big guy. S.
Mia Kaye
October 22, 2011
October 22, 2011
Ratch - A great boss and a true friend. You will always live in our hearts.
Love
Gump and Mia Kaye
Stephen Steels
October 22, 2011
October 22, 2011
I had the special honour of knowing Captian Wallace for over 25 years, he was my teacher,mentor, and quickley became my friend, my heart is sad with his passing but my life is better for knowing him
Gillian Holter
October 21, 2011
October 21, 2011
Ratch - always a story to tell, an adventure to relate, a project in the works! From Toronto to Vancouver, we had good times together and lots of laughs. I will miss those quick calls from YVR when you were between flights to yet another adventure back east. Goodbye.
Kate Wallace
October 21, 2011
October 21, 2011
Thank you for sharing your love and words with all of us, on this website,in emails. and on the phone. I wish I could reply to each and everyone of you. I'm so glad to read about your Ratch experiences. So wonderful. Thank you all for sharing. kxo
Mike Clarke
October 21, 2011
October 21, 2011
OK, so your still Ritchie to me - I remember so much of you from Lakefield "prep" and from Onondaga Camp. We even did a play together (ca 1956). A good buddy back then. Mike.
Stafford Reid
October 21, 2011
October 21, 2011
Ratch had a command presence when in the room. I admired his approach..often stating "It will be done!  Life was one big theatre to him. I'll miss him.
Jay Clark
October 21, 2011
October 21, 2011
My Captain, my colleague but first and foremost my friend. I will always remember you with great fondness.
David Crate
October 21, 2011
October 21, 2011
I knew Ratch for at least 40 years. I loved the guy.
This is why;
A total no BS guy. The most emotionally honest person I have ever met. No pretense, humble, enthusiastic always, followed his muse and succeeded. That's why we all responded to his basic animal goodness. Godspeed.
Sam Jephcott
October 21, 2011
October 21, 2011
Too young to leave us, Ratch will be sorely missed by so many...
R.I.P. dear friend
Gary Hoeg
October 21, 2011
October 21, 2011
I'll always remember sailing across the lake with Ratch as his Mate aboard the Cayuga II steering only by compass folowing his directions to the Niagara Bar Bouy on course and on time long before the invention of GPS!
He was quite a Captain-trained in the old ways.Miss you.
Kate Wallace
October 21, 2011
October 21, 2011
From My Mom:
Dear Ratch, You were always there for me in times of stress and troubles.
Thank you for your support. Janet
Rhona Lettau
October 21, 2011
October 21, 2011
Ratch, you always had that great big smile and words of encouragement. Thank you.
marion lewis
October 21, 2011
October 21, 2011
Darling Ratch,

A true friend - loved puppies and beautiful flawed but wonderful people- and you will be missed.
Reg Burden
October 20, 2011
October 20, 2011
"RATCH" YOU WILL BE MISSED; FROM AN OLD LAKEFIELD BUDDY;SEE YOU DOWN AT THE LAKE;ADIOS;
Gerry Arbeid
October 20, 2011
October 20, 2011
Goodbye my partner, my trusted friend of 30 years. You were one of a kind and will always be missed.
David Patterson
October 20, 2011
October 20, 2011
For over thirty years we shared or mutual love of film and things that float. Warm memories of someone very special. After having not seen each other for a few years, I am so pleased that we were able to spend a weekend together this past summer. Adieu, mon ami.
Ahamed Zaki
October 20, 2011
October 20, 2011
Ratch was absolutely remarkable, large-hearted, thoughtful, charming, one of a kind and a wonderful person. My last meeting with him was in 2008 in St. John's, NL. My colleagues and I will never forget him.
Peter Holt
October 20, 2011
October 20, 2011
Oh no... not Ratch... such a warm cozy generous life loving adventurous guy. A treat to know even a little. Heartfelt sympathy to all his family and friends. He's probably gone ahead to get the place ready for all of us. Can't quite believe he won't be back. Ratch WILL be missed!
Jim Parsons
October 20, 2011
October 20, 2011
Ratch, may the waters around you be tranquil! I can still see the smile on your face.
Ann Bromley
October 20, 2011
October 20, 2011
Ratch, When we last spoke, you were off on another adventure,after an incredible career in shipping and still dreaming of movies(about ships of course!). Never sitting still,away on a motorcycle, fearless in the teeth of a sudden gale,smiling...you will always be in my thoughts.
art hindle
October 20, 2011
October 20, 2011
Fair winds carry you to your rest, Ratch. It was my good fortune to have known you. I'm sure I'll catch up to you at some future port of call...
Bon Voyage !
Diana Rowland
October 20, 2011
October 20, 2011
From the Labatt's 50 commercial when we were in our 20's to Toronto Island when we were in our 60's our lives intersected from time to time over the years. It was always such a pleasure to catch up with you, Ratch, and "I always thought that I'd see you one more time, again"
Kathleen Gilbert
October 20, 2011
October 20, 2011
Ratch was well respected in the Victoria film community. If you needed anything to do with boats Ratch was your go to guy. From that first handshake Ratch made you feel like an old friend. His sense of humour and warm smile will be missed. My thoughts and prayers to his family.
Mercedes Calvert
October 20, 2011
October 20, 2011
Dad- it is amazing how many people's lives you have impacted. There are many stories of how you have been there, during tough times, fun times and through many adventures. Todd, Johnny, Jake and I (and the furry animals in our house), all miss you greatly. love Mercedes
Orval Bouchard
October 20, 2011
October 20, 2011
I had to pleasure to see Ratch in Quebec City aboard the Canadian Empress for the last couple of summer. I also worked with him at BC Ferries. A great man. A rare kind...and a true gentleman...I will miss him...
Rod Hesp
October 20, 2011
October 20, 2011
God bless you Ratch,in the time we met I new a man who's mold had been thrown away, unique and an honor to know you. You adored you're girls, you loved acting, and ships but most of all life. It was a great pleasure to know you.
Ingrid Buschmann
October 20, 2011
October 20, 2011
Ratch, you were a gentleman in every sense of the word. Thanks for the conversations we had; they seem too brief right now.
I was fortunate enough to live in the same building that you did in Victoria. Thanks for your leadership here!
Peter Drewry
October 19, 2011
October 19, 2011
Fair winds and following seas, Ratch. You will be missed.
Pat Ferns
October 19, 2011
October 19, 2011
Your talent, enthusiasm and zest for life will be sorely missed. You are much in my thoughts.
Peter Lower
October 19, 2011
October 19, 2011
When Ratch and I wrote together over a span of 30 odd years we laughed a lot. Something in each of us tickled the others funny bone and gave us welcome relief from the hours of trial and tedium which is the writer's lot. That pleasure was a rare delight that I shall dearly miss.
Eric Rogers
October 19, 2011
October 19, 2011
Ratch, you remain an inspiration to us all.
Cathie Coultis
October 19, 2011
October 19, 2011
Ratch, fair winds forever. You will be never be forgotten.
Kathleen Rogers
October 19, 2011
October 19, 2011
Those we love don't go away,
They walk beside us every day,
Unseen, unheard, but always near,
Still loved, still missed and very dear.
Kate Wallace
October 19, 2011
October 19, 2011
My Dad always treated me with respect and kindness. Always listened and heard my point of view. He gave thoughtful advice. We shared a deep fondness for good beer. My theatre career was realized because he believed in me.  Thank you to all for your loving, caring words. kxo
ilona dilon-granik
October 19, 2011
October 19, 2011
When i was 10 and Ratch was 22, he and i made a pact.,to always know each other in this life..WE both kept that promise with love and respect...
His last words to me were.."iam happy that you are happy"...I love you man and yes this is surreal!.xx bless you
Chris Dalton
October 19, 2011
October 19, 2011
Don't let it be forgot
That once there was a spot
For one brief shining moment
That was known as Camelot
Cary Kozlov
October 19, 2011
October 19, 2011
I first came into contact with Ratch as a fledgling literary agent over 25 years ago. Although we lost contact at times we managed to reconnect as we did again just a few short weeks ago and discussed the possibility of working again together. I'm sad that will not be possible.
James Hatch
October 19, 2011
October 19, 2011
We spent just a short time together making "Inside Out" in the Gatineau Hills, but always will be remembered.
Frank May
October 19, 2011
October 19, 2011
I knew Ratch for such a short time during POV's production of La Boheme early this year. A truly fine gentleman with many marvelous life stories.
Page 3 of 3

Leave a Tribute

Light a Candle
Lay a Flower
Leave a Note
 
Recent Tributes
Mercedes Calvert
October 16, 2023
October 16, 2023
12 Years Dad. This weekend, I pulled out a bunch of old photo albums and Kate, Mom and I looked at them- enjoying the memories. Sometimes it feels like 12 years, sometimes it feels like twice that. I will go for a visit to the bench on my bike soon. xo
Peter Lower
October 16, 2023
October 16, 2023
With you in spirit today and not far behind. Cheers, Peter
Charlotte Gann
November 7, 2022
November 7, 2022
Well Ratch - each time I go to the Belfry Theatre, I stop by your window to say Hi. And every once in a while, when I'm alone in the Chart Room at the yacht club, I ponder the many stories you shared with us over a glass or two. Opening Day isn't the same without you. Never far from my thoughts.
View all 145 tributes
Gallery
Onboard during BCF open house
Capt Wallace during the construction of the BC Ferry MV Kuper
Kate, Mercedes, Todd, Sheldon, Lara, Morgan, Andrew and their two sweet children. And Betty!
Ratch, Jon, Daughter, Toronto 1967
ratch and ilona 2002
319969_10150881260150153_2077992784_n
RatchWallaceIanMcDougall June79 DavenportHouse
Ratch at the 22 with Winston Reckert and Robert Markle
View all 99 items
Recent stories

Toronto, Winter / Spring 1967

November 7, 2014
by Werner Fred

Cleaning out (digitizing) old pictures I came across this picture.

I was a new immigrant to Canada, barely spoke english. Somehow I hooked up with a group of people in Toronto. One of them was Ratch. This guys took it on to teach me proper english and good pronounciation.

After finding this picture I googled for Ratch and to my dismay I found this site.

RIP old friend.

Werner
 

Aboard the Seguin

October 18, 2014
by Bruce Robertson

Ratch was the first captain of the restored Muskoka steamship.

On our wedding anniversary, we decided on a cruise under his command.

On boarding the ship Ratch warmly greeted us and swept us up to the wheelhouse where he had placed two chairs for a commanding view, and then produced a wondrous boquet of gladiolas for us.  What a gift!  What a sweet heart.  Bless you Ratch.

Your old buddies Jean and Bruce

One heart.  One love.

View all 28 stories

Invite others to Ratch's website:

Invite by email

Post to your timeline

Share in Messenger