LEA, Albert Daniel Lambert (Dan)
1917 ~ 2006
Born February 19, 1917 in Victoria, BC, died in Comox, BC on Monday December 4, 2006 the end of a life lived well. Predeceased by his first wife Peggy and second wife Phyllis, daughter Sharon and son Jim. He is lovingly remembered by his son Robert, daughter Marion, sister Thelma, his life long friend, brother and co-worker Bob (Bub), in-laws: John & Mary Neve, Dorothy Rogers, the Melhuish clan, daughter-in-law Pattyanne and their respective families. His grandchildren: Gordon, Ryan, Taylor, Ewan, Duncan, Cameron, Christopher, Grahame, Raeanne. The O’Connell family: Margaret, Terri, Tracey, Susan, Norena, Wayne and their families.
Dan sailed as a deckhand and mate on the tugs “Fairbanks”, “Nitinat Chief” and the “Solander” from 1936-1941, towing out of Port Renfrew and Nitinat Lake. Dan served as petty officer in the RCNR (Fishermans Reserve) from 1942-44, spending 22 months on various ships engaged in BC Coast Patrols. In 1944 Dan with brother Bob bought the tug the Solander and the “Lea Brothers” operated her as a fish packer running out of Klemtu and Sooke harbour until 1952 when it was refitted for towing and worked the coast for Bute towing and Vancouver Tug until sold in 1967. Dan and Bob moved their families from Vancouver to Gold River where they operated Seaspan’s Nootka Sound Division until retirement in 1981.
Dan and Peggy moved to Comox enjoying the relaxing time where Dad honed his carpentry and landscape skills.
Dad loved the outdoors hiking the old Telegraph trail (West Coast Trail), canoeing the Peace River. Travelling and camping BC, fishing and exploring waterways in the cabin cruiser “Snowgoose”.
After Peggy passed Dan later married his dear friend Phyllis and enjoyed many years together surrounded by family and friends in Ladysmith. Dad would still supervise the harbour traffic from his lawn chair and meet once a month with the “boys” of the Ancient Mariner's Club.
To the wonderful people at Berwick Comox Valley, who extended warm friendship and a guiding hand, thank you.
There was not much time for preparation for this last voyage but Dan quietly sailed out on the last tide.
Calm Seas and Safe Passage Dad.
A Celebration in remembrance of Dan’s life will be held at Sands Funeral Home, 1 Newcastle Ave, Nanaimo, BC, Saturday December 16, 2006 at 1:00pm. Reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice.