“And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by,
And the wheel’s kick and the wind’s song and the white sail’s shaking...”
Dad lowered his sails after a wonderful long healthy happy life spent on the high seas following his retirement as a well-respected business executive on both coastlines. After a very brief illness, Dad passed away peacefully in his 92nd year at Lions Gate Hospital on March 29th, 2009.
Dad was born in Montreal but became a West Coast boy who loved roller-skating, dancing on Bowen, ferrying over and trekking up Hollyburn to ski and cruising the harbour in his speedboat, the Westerly.
Survived by  his beloved honey of 63 years, Helen, his youngest  sister Ruth  (Richard), sons Robert (Evelyn), John (Elizabeth), James and David (Christina), grandchildren Stephanie  (Anthony), Jennifer (Aaron), Gregory (Teressa), Jeffrey, Katharine, John, Erika, Kimberley, Paul, Christopher and Michael and 12 great-grandchildren: Isaac, Matthew, Dominic, Lukas, Alexandra, Alison, Ava, Kassandra, Gabriel, Natasha, Jacqueline and Dashiell. Predeceased by sisters Ethel, Mabel, Doris and Gladys and brother Gordon.
Dad was an inspiration to all who touched his life and a mentoring star to his extended family.  He lived his life the way he built each of his sailing vessels: with a steadfast determination to undertake each step with careful precision, resulting in flawless perfection at every stage.
Dad played three instruments, enjoyed the symphony, the opera, fine art, a glass of fine wine with appetizers in the cockpit and evenings spent with his family in good conversation. The more family members invited for the Sunday roast dinner each week, the better.
Dad was active in community services including the Vancouver Rotary Club (president 1987) and the West Vancouver United Church.
Wilf, Dad, Grandpa, Great-Grandpa, we miss you already.