District Chief 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.

Highschool 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.

A visitation for Rick will be held at Bayview Glen Church (300 Steeles Avenue E, Thornhill) on Tuesday, August 8, 2023 from 10:00am – 12:00pm.

A memorial service will be held at Bayview Glen Church (300 Steeles Avenue E, Thornhill) on Tuesday, August 8, 2023 at 12:30pm. Reception to follow at Bayview Glen Church (300 Steeles Avenue E, Thornhill)