Henrick Batelaan
District Chief
Story
High school sweetheart and spouse to Jennifer, loving father to Rachel (Justin) and Kate (Greg), but best known as ‘Pa’ to Scarlett, Callum, Miles and Brooklin, Chief of the S’mores Club.
Rick was a proud and dedicated member of the Toronto Fire Service for 38 years and was active with the Toronto HUSAR (Heavy Urban Search and Rescue) Team. Rick was well-respected by his colleagues as a humble and patient mentor who found immense satisfaction in supporting the growth of others.
Rick was a man of ‘all-seasons’, a true lover of the Great Canadian Outdoors. He was a longtime member and President of Bear Creek Hunt Camp. He was the "Tarp-Master" of our family camping trips in Killbear, Algonquin and the French River.
Tragically, Rick was diagnosed with Occupational Cancer in May of 2022. He chose to live fully each day to the best of his ability, and his enduring courage and strength in the face of his 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".