Rest in peace Rick. I have had the privilege of working with Rick at staton 232. We had a lot of laughs and many stories to share . I enjoyed all the tales from the French River and we both had parents that owned the original Canadian Tire tent trailer. Many good memories. I’ll be having a cold one for Rick tonight. Don Hanson (Domer )

As Jen's best friend and neighbour growing up, I had the blessing and privilege of getting to know Rick when he and Jen first met (or, as I like to remember…..after Jen stalked him in the halls of high school ;) 

 Rick's quiet, calm presence and awesome smile were evident from the moment she introduced him to me, and it was clear from the start that he absolutely adored Jen, as she did him.  Rick was truly one of the nicest, most courageous, adventurous, loving men I've ever met and I have many wonderful memories of him with Jen, Rachel and Kate from when the girls were young.

"The purpose of life is to be useful, to be honorable, to be       compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Rick has lived a life with integrity, with love, with laughter and with honour.  A life well lived in his all-too-short 59 years.
Rest peacefully, Rick.    


The help, support and caring that Rick and Jennifer showered on our mother, their neighbour for 3 decades, was a blessing to all of us! Many times Rick did storm clean up and offered help when we were too far away to do what was needed for our mom. We will mourn the too soon loss of such a great man along with our mom who passed with the same disease just 6 months ago. Blessings on your wonderful family. Kathie Jacklin and John Nyhuis, Kirk and JoAnn Bull

Sending our deepest condolences to Jen and the girls and the entire family along with our heartfelt prayers.  I remember being at a Firefighter function and watching Rick & Jen dance together looking into each other's eyes. 
It was beautiful.  Mark loved working alongside Rick so much.  Your family will be lifted up in prayer as you go through this difficult time.  
Love Mark and Beverley Robinson

Sending my condolences for their loss to Jen, Rick's beloved wife, and the whole family who are grieving the loss of this wonderful man. Such a beautiful obituary shares a story of a life well lived, while ever too short. She was so brave and fearless helping him face his death, and supported him so well throughout his illness and all the way to the end. Such love!
Linda Hochstetler

I am sorry to have heard of the passing of Rick, My sincere condolences to his family and friends.
I was lucky to work with Rick as his acting captain, shared some good hunting stories.

I had the utmost pleasure of working with Rick on and off the fire services.  He taught first aid for our company and was well respected. Clients always requested him for their courses.  I was lucky enough to ski with him out west and the best memory of all was witnessing his amazing dance skills at one of our Christmas parties.  He will be truly missed and always remembered.   Sincere condolences to Jennifer and family.

My All Seasons Display days with Rick (aka The Slickster) were memorable for sure.  Rick was the master light pole banner hanger of the team.  He could thread the needle style drive our install van through downtown Toronto traffic, pull over, set up and scale the ladder, install the banner, and grab some street meat all before the rest of us had even put our work belts on.   
French River getaways with the All Seasons crew where also filled with many great memories.  We got a lot of work done up at The French and I am pretty sure the concrete ramp pad we hand poured one summer weekend still has all our nick names engraved.
The Wop, Bundy, B-Rye, One Inch and of course The Slickster.
Good times
Rest in Peace Rick


I only knew Rick a few short years, but we have many common interests and he soon transitioned from new boss, to mentor to friend. His office door was always open, his knowledge and passion and skills on the job second to none. His  calm demeanor and people skills were an inspiration and he was respected by all who worked with him. 

His absence has been keenly felt, but his inspiration lives on. My deepest condolences to his family: Jen, Rachel, Kate, Scarlett, Callum, Miles and Brooklin. He lives on within each of you too. 

Godspeed Rick. Keep the rubber side down. 

I had the privilege of knowing Rick for many years, working with him at various halls on similar shifts. He was an amazing man, well liked and highly respected. He will be missed but never forgotten.

Photo of crews and  Rick (centre) at Scarborough Fire Hall #7 in 1995.(the good years) Rick was one of the best.
He will be sadly missed by all the old Scarborough Fire Fighter Retirees.
Rest in Peace Rick.
John Vonk

Have good memories from the French river and All Seasons with the “Slickster”. My deepest condolences to all the family.
He will be missed.

Rick, we shared a lot of laughs both on and off the job. Even though I have not seen you in years, I know that if I called you at 2 in the morning, you were the type of guy who would have shown up at my door right away.  I will see you in a bit. Have the fire going and a cold beer ready for me.
Bri

OBITUARY

District Chief Henrick 'Rick' Batelaan

January 31, 1964 – July 17, 2023

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