UNION NOTICE: #23-093
Saturday, July 29, 2023
Subject: LODD Funeral for Active Member Henrick Batelaan
Update
Line of Duty Death Ceremony
To All Members:
Active Member District Chief Henrick “Rick” Batelaan
The committee has met with Rick’s family and has made the following arrangements for our brother District Chief Batelaan’s LODD Ceremony.
Visitation and Ceremony
Tuesday, August 8, 2023 (B-platoon working)
Bayview Glen Church
300 Steeles Ave E.
Thornhill, ON
10:00 am Visitation
12:30 pm Ceremony
Collation
Following the Ceremony
Bayview Golf and Country Club
25 Fairway Heights Dr.
Thornhill, ON
Dress
TFS personnel attending the funeral are to wear full dress uniform, white shirt, white gloves, and cap with shrouded badge.
Form Up and Rolling Salute
We will be forming up and honoring our brother, DC Rick Batelaan with a rolling salute. Members will be asked to form up and come to attention when the command is given.
The rolling salute begins at the colors (Canadian Flag salute comes up) and is completed, at the rear step of the caisson, (salute comes down), then bowing your head as the family passes. Continue to stand until you’re dismissed. The goal is to make it look like a wave.
The following obituary was copied from the funeral home website and can be found here.
Henrick ‘Rick’ Batelaan
January 31, 1964 – July 17, 2023
Henrick ‘Rick’ Batelaan, age 59 – forever young
Passed peacefully at his Courtice home, surrounded in love by his family.
High school sweetheart and spouse to Jennifer, he stole her heart with his long dark hair and leather vest. Loving father and mustached hero to Rachel (Justin) and Kate (Greg), but best known as ‘Pa’ to Scarlett, Callum, Miles, and Brooklin, Chief of the S’mores Club.
Predeceased by his parents Joost and Tine, brother John Justin and father-in-law John Gurr.
Rick was born in Toronto, a son of an engineer and nurse – an adventurous spirit, he was smart, inquisitive, and always calm under pressure. He will be dearly missed by siblings Lydia (Bob), Anna Marie (Jim), Pete (Jackie), Martin (Marlene), Jacqui, Phil (Etta), and mother-in-law Gail, along with many extended family and friends.
A natural leader, he spent the last 38 years with Toronto Fire Services, starting in Scarborough on May 27th, 1985. He worked in various fire stations in East and North Commands, on both A and D Platoons. Captain Batelaan was promoted to District Chief on September 23rd, 2019, a testament to his hard work and dedication throughout his career. He joined the Toronto HUSAR (Heavy Urban Search and Rescue) Team in 2009 and remained an active member until his passing. Rick was well respected by his colleagues as a humble and patient mentor, who found immense satisfaction in supporting the growth of others. He will be fondly remembered by his peers at TFS.
Rick was a man of ‘all seasons’, a true lover of the Great Canadian Outdoors. This started with summer trips riding in his dad’s Plymouth Fury to camp in Killarney (nine of them, including the family cat). He carried on the tradition of camping by taking his own family on many similar adventures to Killbear, Algonquin, and the French River – cementing his legacy of Tarp Master.
Rick was a longtime member and former President of Bear Creek Hunt Camp near Huntsville. He enjoyed the thrill of the hunt, the camaraderie, and shared experiences of camp life with his buddies. Despite cancer, Rick continued to find his way North to connect with the wilderness and the hunting family he cherished so much. They will continue to keep his memory alive on their own watch.
Rick was a Mr. Fix-It who could repair almost anything from his stash of odds and ends. He also prided himself on completing his daily to-do list, usually before noon! He enjoyed the simpler things in life – a long ride on his motorcycle, a swim in the lake, a fish on the line, a cold beer on a hot day, and cooking a meal for family and friends.
He fought a courageous battle and chose to live fully each day to the best of his ability. His enduring bravery and strength in the face of terminal illness served as a testament to the depth of his character.
His parting wisdom for loved ones left without his guiding presence was simply ‘If you don’t know knots, tie lots’.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Rick’s memory to Princess Margaret Cancer Centre (UHN) or Friends of Algonquin Park.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Jang and his team at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre for their extraordinary care and compassion. Heartfelt thanks also to Rick’s palliative home care team including Dr Osbourne (Lakeridge Health), nurses Elisha, Allison, and Donna.
In Solidarity,
Gerlando Peritore
TPFFA C&B Chair
IAFF L3888