Victor Batten

Born July 10/21 in Northeast England. At age 7 he became a boy chorister at the local parish church to the age of 17 when he became organist and choir director. This became a lifetime passion until he retired at the age of 84. After graduating from school, he entered a 7 year apprenticeship in graphic arts which led to his career in the printing trade. Following the outbreak of WWII he enlisted in the RAF, graduated from Technical school, as a flight mechanic, and was later posted to 3 Bomber Command. In 1942 he was posted to Canada where he was attached to the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan in Port Albert. In 1944 he returned to Britain and served until the war ended, and resumed his apprenticeship. He met Muriel in 1944 and was married in 1946 in England. He returned to Canada in 1948 seeking employment. Muriel joined him in 1949 and David came along in 1952. He and Muriel became active in the Anglican Church, the Royal Canadian Legion, the Air Force Club and Minor Hockey where he managed the beginners' division for several years. The more accomplished players formed the travel team and some of the players went on to have illustrious hockey careers. After Muriel passed, Victor became involved with the Canadian Historical Aircraft Association. He wore many hats. As organist and choir director he worked with boys, girls and adult choir members, bringing home many certificates of excellence from competitions in this area. To keep his boys active and interested he coached them in baseball during the summer months, ensuring their return to choir in the fall. He spent almost 7 decades as organist and choir director at various Anglican churches in England and Canada. In 1983 he retired from the printing trade but continued on as organist and choir director until 2005. In 1991 Victor married his present wife, Joanne. Victor Passed away peacefully January 21, 2014 in his 93rd year. Vic will forever be remembered by his loving wife Joanne, by his son David (Patricia) and his beloved grandchildren, Jarrod, Jenna Tolmie (Greg), Jordan and Jason (Candace). He will be sadly missed by his sister Kathleen Shepherd (England), as well as several nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his first wife Muriel (1989). Predeceased also by his sister Margery Whitehead (England). Funeral arrangements entrusted to Walter D. Kelly Life Celebration Centre (519-252-5711). A mass of Christian Burial will take place on Saturday, February 1st, 2014 at St. Mary's Anglican Church at 11:00 am. Charitable donations may be made to Sunshine Foundation Dreams for Kids, Hospice Village Of Windsor, St. Mary's Anglican Church, or to a Charity of your Choice.