Balatti, Victor August (Vic)
December 25, 1941 – February 19, 2014
“I’ve had a good life and done more in my one life than a lot of people would do in three.” Were the words of our dear Victor the day he was diagnosed with terminal cancer.
Victor was born in Vancouver, BC to Dorothy Alice (nee Miles) and Victor Michael Balatti on Christmas day, the eldest of five children. Victor is survived by his children: Victor Jr., Tony, Cathy, Nolan & Megan; along with their spouses and his six grandchildren. Also left to cherish his memory are his sister. Nora Anderson; brother-in-law, John; brothers: Mike, Chris and Ted Balatti; and sister-in-law, Blondie. Victor also leaves behind a great many nieces & nephews and much loved grand-nieces & nephews who loved him dearly and will miss, but always remember, the adventures he took them on and the survival skills he taught them.
Victor’s life took him on many great adventures throughout BC, sometimes on his own, often with friends or family. Starting work as a teenager driving truck and excavators, logging all over Vancouver Island and in the Terrace area, commercial fishing around Vancouver Island and out of Prince Rupert, owning and operating a trail ride businesses in Lakelse, BC and on Quadra Island, horse logging, even driving cab and being the most fun nanny ever for his darling grand-nieces, Vanessa and Meghan on Quadra Island. Vic also worked as a truck driver and heavy equipment operator on the Nicola Ranch in Merritt, BC, built docks in various areas, owned and ran a log salvage/tug boat along the coast and was always available to stop whatever he was doing to set out on a rescue mission either on or off the water. Vic seldom sat idle unless he was watching a good movie or having a visit with one of his many friends, usually over a delicious meal that he had prepared.
Vic had to slow down a bit after kidney disease forced him into dialysis but still managed to deconstruct the Matthews Bay a rather large seine boat at a local ship yard. A man who lived life on his terms, his family didn’t always have contact with him but they were always in his thoughts and in his heart. A true character of the coast just like those of the Balatti & Canessa families before him. Rough and tough in appearance with a softness and gentleness towards children, ladies and animals. “Uncle Vic” to so many and so many will miss him and love him forever.
A celebration of Victor’s life will be held on Quadra Island sometime around Easter.
Special thanks to the nurses on the 6th floor and Palliative Care ward at NRGH. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Vancouver Island Kidney Patients Association, your local food bank or consider becoming an organ donor.