John Horne

Capt. John Horne 1927 - 2012. John died suddenly on July 14, 2012 as the result of an accident. Born in England on January 11, 1927, he came to Vancouver with his family at the age of 2. He attended Bayview, Lord Kitchener, Queen Mary and Lord Byng schools but did not graduate deciding instead to "run away to sea" joining the Union Steamship's SS Venture as a deckhand in 1942. John served on most of the Union "boats" earning his mate's and then master's certificates. He joined Packers Steamships as master of the MV Teco in 1955, his first command. John was one of the first captains hired by the B.C. Ferries when they began service between Vancouver and Victoria in 1960. In 1965, he achieved the pinnacle of his career becoming a B.C. Coast Pilot, stationed in Victoria. After retiring from the Pilots he formed his own company buying, selling and chartering ships, including charters for 2 Hollywood movies and many television commercials. John finally "retired" in 2010 focusing instead on his long time memberships in the Canadian Club of Victoria and The Union Club. In 1949, John married the love of his life Tricia Dorman. They enjoyed 63 years of marriage and raised 4 children. He is survived by his wife, their children and spouses, 10 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild: Nesta and Robert McGraw of Port Alberni, Marian, Richard and William; Ian and Karen Home of Oakville, Ontario, Sarah Home, Kaitlin and John Cianfarani of Mississauga with Abigail Grace; Megan and John Herlaar of Victoria, Juliana, Adrian and Vincent; David and Katy Home of London, England, Victoria and Madeleine. John was my fraternity brother of my grandfather the late A.T. "Tom" Alsbury. Ironically I met John brokered the private sale of the 42 year old vessel for BC Ferries Corp, sold to my brother-in-law in the early 2000's.