October 16, 2014
October 16, 2014
You're always in our thoughts Ratch. Rest well.
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
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October 16, 2014
October 16, 2014
Three years and it's hard to believe you're gone. Think of you always
November 10, 2013
November 10, 2013
A cloudy, cool and very windy day in Toronto. The leaves flying and bringing to mind that day and night in 1975 when the Edmund Fitzgerald was overwhelmed by a fierce storm that swept north over Lake Superior. The ship sank at 7pm or thereabouts just 15 miles from a safe anchorage at Whitefish Point. My thoughts turn to Ratch and our script November Gale. Miss you my friend. Peter
November 7, 2013
November 7, 2013
Always in our thoughts,Cap!!
Missed you once again this year on the Empress...
Fair winds and following seas...
Missed you once again this year on the Empress...
Fair winds and following seas...
November 7, 2013
November 7, 2013
Today would be your 69th birthday... we miss you always.
Love,
Mercedes
Love,
Mercedes
October 16, 2013
October 16, 2013
Two years and I think of you every day Dad. I try to forget the day of your leaving us. Instead we will be celebrating your life with our 2nd annual Ice Cream Sundae Night with the whole family on your birthday, Nov. 7th. You were a great Dad and I miss you very much.
your daughter, always,
Kate
your daughter, always,
Kate
October 16, 2013
October 16, 2013
There's a lake freighter tied up at the Cherry Street docks in Toronto and visible from the eastern end of the Gardiner expressway. It's an older boat with the forward wheelhouse and steering pole off the bow. Just like the Fitz. Maybe pay a visit and think of all the good times we had trying to wrestle "November Gale" to the ground.
October 16, 2013
October 16, 2013
Missing my best friend. Think of you always.
October 16, 2013
October 16, 2013
Ratch was a most delightful and fascinatingly unique friend and colleague. Remembering how excited he was to take me and another friend on his ship and give us the behind the scenes tour. Just loved him for being his own person- and a damned good actor too. This tribute page brings back the sadness of our loss, but great smile-making memories most if all. Hugs. Nina Keogh
October 16, 2013
October 16, 2013
I still think of the time we had spent together, you gave me the drive and confidence to pursue the marine industry as a career. I thought about you often when I spent months at sea this summer. Sometimes I could close my eyes and still hear your booming voice as you told me another sea story in full character of course. May the winds and the current carry you forever Ratch. I miss you.
October 16, 2013
October 16, 2013
Remembering the good times we shared, old man. I think about you often.
October 16, 2013
October 16, 2013
Miss you and you left us too soon
from Capt Doug
from Capt Doug
October 16, 2013
October 16, 2013
It can't be that two years has passed already... 2 1/2 since we last saw you, when you came to visit us at the cottage. We see Ilona much more now- she is a part of our family even more so. We all miss you. The boys ask about Grandpa Ratch often.
love Mercedes
love Mercedes
July 25, 2013
July 25, 2013
Hi Ratch: We're still pluggin' away here with books and boats and a new house to build. We dedicated the new book to you. You were supposed to write the forward, well, next time. You'd love the new house, just above the cabin. Dinner on the deck, a toast...Love Patric.
December 5, 2012
December 5, 2012
Hi Ratch: Thanksgiving has come and gone again and we missed our traditional dinner. Even though the timing was not always on your visits were an occasion. We remembered the good ones and drank a toast to you and the good times. Dinner was pretty good too, you would have enjoyed it as you enjoyed everthing. Full tilt, piled on. Love Patric and Dorie.
November 7, 2012
November 7, 2012
From the day we met on the docks in Toronto and through our time together at BCF, Ratch was always a true gentleman and a great guy to spend time with. RIP Ratch, fair winds and following seas to you.
October 21, 2012
October 21, 2012
Ratch was a wonderful human being gone too soon. I'm sure he's at the helm of his ship in the sky guiding the angels to watch over his loving family and friends. For the brief time I knew him, he left a memorable impression. The photos show the love he had in his life and the full, diverse, exciting life he had. May God keep him safe in the harbours of Heaven.
October 18, 2012
October 18, 2012
It hardly seems possible that a year has passed since we received the news that you had gone out on the ebb. You are no longer with us but at odd times, when the credits roll or when I see a ship or a motor cycle you come back to me for a moment and I smile.
I miss you Old Man.
I miss you Old Man.
October 18, 2012
October 18, 2012
It is hard to believe it has been a year since we heard those
fateful words of your passing. We were, and still are
deeply saddened by the loss.
Ratch, we were truly honored to have you aboard
the MV Klancy 11 and truly grateful for your Loyalty as
as “Our Captain” and Friend.
We will forever miss your sparkling eyes, beautiful smile
and your unrestrained and radiant laugh.
Until we meet again.
fateful words of your passing. We were, and still are
deeply saddened by the loss.
Ratch, we were truly honored to have you aboard
the MV Klancy 11 and truly grateful for your Loyalty as
as “Our Captain” and Friend.
We will forever miss your sparkling eyes, beautiful smile
and your unrestrained and radiant laugh.
Until we meet again.
October 18, 2012
October 18, 2012
Rest in Peace Ratch
“and fair winds always”
Klaus and Nancy
To Ratch’s family:
In thinking about your loss,
We would like to leave you with the oft quoted words of an observer at Abraham Lincoln's
deathbed who said upon his passing, "Now he belongs to the angels."
Hugs
“and fair winds always”
Klaus and Nancy
To Ratch’s family:
In thinking about your loss,
We would like to leave you with the oft quoted words of an observer at Abraham Lincoln's
deathbed who said upon his passing, "Now he belongs to the angels."
Hugs
October 16, 2012
October 16, 2012
A friend and a smile I will always remember. A favourite Confrere in so many ways.
October 16, 2012
October 16, 2012
As someone has already said, "Once met never forgotten." We were both living in Victoria, but never got to chat over old times in the making of "Inside Out."
October 16, 2012
October 16, 2012
"Times running," Elena just said. We miss you Ratch. And we remember you each time we call little LaRA....
October 16, 2012
October 16, 2012
I will not forget your friendship or the generous sharing of your talents.
No matter how many times I say to myself that you are gone I simply cannot fully believe it. That such a spirited soul should depart mid voyage is a painful reminder of the fragility of our lives and the cruelty of fate. Cheers, mate.
No matter how many times I say to myself that you are gone I simply cannot fully believe it. That such a spirited soul should depart mid voyage is a painful reminder of the fragility of our lives and the cruelty of fate. Cheers, mate.
October 16, 2012
October 16, 2012
A year has passed and you still visit me in my thoughts. Always with a smile. Especially when I am facing a challenge. You are missed.
October 16, 2012
October 16, 2012
We all miss you Dad. Big "on-my-tippy-toes" hugs from us all.
xoxo Mercedes
xoxo Mercedes
October 16, 2012
October 16, 2012
I think about you every day Dad. Miss you all the time.
kxoxo
kxoxo
August 3, 2012
August 3, 2012
It has been a year, this week, that I last saw you, visiting us at the cottage at Black Lake... We miss you. xo
July 24, 2012
July 24, 2012
Hi, Ratch: It's another summer and we were looking forward to more great dinners and cruises together. Last summer's cruise was too brief, as is life. So glad we had the time with you and your family. Miss you. Patric and Dorie
March 31, 2012
March 31, 2012
I am truly saddened to hear Ratch passed away last year. I worked for Ratch at Davenport House in Toronto back in 1979 when he had Lakefield Productions there. I was a secretary in the office run by Faigy & Liz and had a huge crush on Ratch. He was a teddy bear with an enormous heart. I have a picture I took of him and Ian McDougall in front of the office I will look for and upload. RIP
November 29, 2011
November 29, 2011
Ratch was a life-affirming personality and a very good shipmate. Each day, on board, with him as captain, was a good day. I am saddened he is no longer with us.
November 27, 2011
November 27, 2011
A magnificent and unforgettable colleague! A Renaissance man if ever there was one in our own time.
Steen Jessen, Master Mariner
BC Ferries
Senior Master, MV Mayne Queen
Steen Jessen, Master Mariner
BC Ferries
Senior Master, MV Mayne Queen
November 27, 2011
November 27, 2011
Thank you to everyone who came to the memorials in Toronto and Victoria and introduced yourselves to me and my family. There were so many people I had never met before and so many stories with the similar thread..."larger than life", "a great friend", "ahead of his time".
And of course, "will be missed deeply". For those who could not attend, I have posted my eulogy in "Stories".
And of course, "will be missed deeply". For those who could not attend, I have posted my eulogy in "Stories".
November 18, 2011
November 18, 2011
I, enjoyed having conversations with Ratch about his many voyages and the vessels he operated within Toronto Harbour. I will remember the last such conversation I had with him the evening of June 13, 2011 aboard the Yankee Lady III.Thanks for the stories and history lessons. You certainly made my job more interesting! Bon Voyage!
November 11, 2011
November 11, 2011
For a while Ratch was living at our Log House in Muskoka while first captain of the restored HMS Seguin. We decided on a cruise for our anniversary and what greeted us at the gang-plank? This sweet-hearted man with a bouquet of gladiolas, who led us up to the wheel house where two front-stage seats awaited us! Sail on, Dear Friend!
November 7, 2011
November 7, 2011
For a short time, You have seen and lived your dreams!
Few ever realize this...
Happy Birthday, fellow Empress Captain!
A brief synopsis of your colourful life will appear at: www.thousandislandslife.com this November
Few ever realize this...
Happy Birthday, fellow Empress Captain!
A brief synopsis of your colourful life will appear at: www.thousandislandslife.com this November
November 6, 2011
November 6, 2011
For anyone who would like to see Dad on the Canadian show Seeing Things, go to this youtube clip:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t37L6Ur2nBs&feature=youtube_gdata_player
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t37L6Ur2nBs&feature=youtube_gdata_player
October 29, 2011
October 29, 2011
Hey Ratch; first time we met - RVYC's entertainment committee - more play than work :) Last time I saw you - chatting with Murray McLauchlan & Ian Thomas after 'Lunch at Allen's' - you were heading off to spend the night sharing memories with your chums. Still playing.
Catch you later in the following seas. Charlotte
Catch you later in the following seas. Charlotte
October 27, 2011
October 27, 2011
Sorry to see you leave us and too early to go
thanks for the friendship
Capt Doug and Viola Wilson
thanks for the friendship
Capt Doug and Viola Wilson
October 25, 2011
October 25, 2011
Over almost 40 years we ran into each other from time to time, through our mutual interests of writing and the sea. I always admired your sense of humour, professionalism and the encouragement you freely gave to all who needed it. You are missed.
October 25, 2011
October 25, 2011
Will not miss your send-off but will miss you always till I next see that broad welcoming smile once again. A blessing in my life and very special human. Now over the bar and eternally in safe waters.
Keep a weather eye peeled Ratch . . . I will (as will many others) hail you one day and we shall heave to and raft alongside so we can gam and hoist a few as in years gone by. Salt water runs upon my
Keep a weather eye peeled Ratch . . . I will (as will many others) hail you one day and we shall heave to and raft alongside so we can gam and hoist a few as in years gone by. Salt water runs upon my
October 25, 2011
October 25, 2011
Since Ed Lawless' SENECA at Royal Cdn. and the INN DECENT on the harbour out from the island, modern racing yachts, the Cheoy Lee Tumlaren, the sweet sharpie at Royal Vic and all the ships including in the canal when the U.S. retired Noriega. Living life like the best scripted adventure. Hoisting & toasting in the Wheatsheaf, Morrisey, and other. Gams by phone since 06 but not that smile.
October 25, 2011
October 25, 2011
Like everyone else, I was very sad to hear of Ratch's passing, but glad to have had the pleasure of knowing him at BC Ferries. Ratch was, at various times, a fellow ferry captain, then my boss, and later, he was the senior deck person in charge of getting a new ship for my route built and certified, and the crew trained. All this time, he was a true professional, but also a true friend.
October 24, 2011
October 24, 2011
always a pleasure to share time with, we enjoyed those couple of beers at the Tavern, a few yarns and a great friendship. Ratch do what you can for the sailors left down here, you have the best view from that "crows nest". You are missed but never forgotten.
October 24, 2011
October 24, 2011
Ratch, I will miss you and will always treasure your friendship. I will never forget how you helped me with my career. May you sail on forever, god be with you.
Ed
Ed
October 24, 2011
October 24, 2011
TO RITCH : A PRINCE OF A GUY; FUNNY; WITH A HUGE HEART & A LAUGH THAT WOULD FOLD US UP DOUBLE!FOND MEMORIES OF ONONDAGA,THE GROVE,CADETS AND AS WESTENDERS.SADLY LOST TOUCH AFTER 78.GOODBYE SWEET PRINCE AND MAY FLIGHTS OF ANGELS SING THEE TO THY REST.DEEP CONDOLENCES TO YOUR FAMIL
October 24, 2011
October 24, 2011
I first met Ratch in Toronto when I was about l7 years old. What a wonderful, amazing, generous, funny human being. My girlfriends and I have many fond memories and secret crushes. He was a wonderful friend to all who knew him. Sail on!
October 24, 2011
October 24, 2011
Ratch was one of the first people I met in shipping in 1974 and our lives intersected many times over the years, through business and many mutual friends. Ratch enriched us all with his genuine spirit and enthusiasim. I'm truly saddened that he has passed over over the bar.
October 23, 2011
October 23, 2011
I had the honour and privilege of sailing with Captain Wallace for nine seasons aboard the Canadian Empress. He was a true mariner who loved the ship and the rivers she sailed on. He will be truly missed and fondly remembered. Take Care and Smooth Sailing Ratch!
October 23, 2011
October 23, 2011
There's a memorable characteristic about Ratch that sticks in my mind. That was his intense eagerness to learn. I was his film teacher in 1970. The last time I saw him was when he was getting into a car with Otto Preminger just after Otto had been to our school to give a talk.
Leave a Tribute
Recent Tributes
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
October 16, 2023
October 16, 2023
With you in spirit today and not far behind. Cheers, Peter
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.
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
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RatchWallaceIanMcDougall June79 DavenportHouse
Ratch at the 22 with Winston Reckert and Robert Markle
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
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.
all this time
October 16, 2014
all this time....
yet
always
on my mind....
'little bird'
xx