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Capt. Orlando James Vallis

Capt. Orlando James Vallis Capt. Orlando James Vallis

Lieu de naissance : Coombs Cove Nfld.
Date de naissance : 8 juillet 1928

Lieu de décès : Sydney
Date de décès : 20 juillet 2016

It is with heavy hearts we regret to announce to passing of our beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather and friend. Orlando passed away peacefully July 20, 2016 at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney, with his loving family by his side.
Orlando started his career at the early age of 15 years after the sudden passing of his father who drowned dory fishing in 1944. Orlando quickly assumed the responsibility as the head of the household, going to sea to support his mother and younger brother. He was a private man who rarely shared details about the early years of his personal life, and the obstacles he overcame. Instead he quietly lived the life he was dealt and extended support and kindness to others going through difficult times, sharing what he could. Orlando was also known for his hearty laugh that could be clearly heard a block away when a good story was being shared.
Orlando is survived by Robena ‘Ruby’ (Anderson), his loving wife of 53 years and his daughters, Doreen (Lloyd Jensen) of Harbour Breton, Nfld., Denise (Keith Forgeron) of Mira, and Corrie Ann (Lorraine Paulin) of Reserve, as well as his son, Stephen (Marilyn) of Colorado Springs and son-in-law, Karl LeJune of Oregon. Orlando is also survived by his only brother, John (Ada) Vallis of Harbour Breton, Nfld. He will also be deeply missed by his cherished grandchildren, Stephen and Karla LeJune; Brennan and Michaela Forgeron; Joshua, Aaron, Ariel, Evan and Spencer Vallis; Shaylene Chiasson and Robert Moore. Orlando will also be missed by Steven Lilly, whom he often referred to as his second son.
Orlando was predeceased by his parents, Ernest John and Florence Vallis, and his first wife, Sarah Selina and most recently by his daughter, Yvonne LeJune.
He was born July 8, 1928 in Coombs Cove, Fortune Bay, Nfld., where he lived and worked until he moved to Louisbourg in 1953. Orlando began his career as a dory fisherman, like his father. He spent time on the Ronald George from Harbor Buffet, Placentia Bay, Nfld. After that, he spent time on the trawler, Edith and Lillian, which landed fish for Job Brothers of St. John’s, Nfld. and Moore’s of Harbour Grace, Nfld. and eventually becoming captain.
In March 1953, he joined Gordon Pew Ltd. in Louisbourg as mate of the MV Fort Louisbourg with Captain Scotty Laws. Orlando continued on in Louisbourg after the National Sea Products takeover of Pew’s as a Master of various other NSP vessels. Over his 32 plus year career he captained numerous vessels including the Cape Race, the Cape Keltic, the Lady Shippagan, the Marjorie Colbourne, which became known as the Cape Ann, among other vessels. The Cape Race was especially significant as she was the first all steel side trawler built in Canada. He often referred to her as the “Love Boat” as he and Ruby (among other crew and their wives) made the maiden voyage on her from Luazon, Que. to Louisbourg, N.S. in August 1963. Most recently Orlando switched from deep sea fishing to inshore fishing when he became a lobster fisherman in the early 1980s. Orlando’s dedication to fishing was evident as he fished lobsters during that season and continued to fish the draggers the remainder of the year for many years before the down-turn of the off-shore fishery. He became a full time lobster fisherman after the closure of National Sea where after having many other “helpers”, Steven Lilly became his permanent right hand man for the last 20 plus years aboard the Awaited Dream. He helped many fishermen get their start and was a mentor to many.
Orlando learned to navigate before the modern age of technology combining good instincts, knowledge of weather and the sea plus the reliance of the hand of God to steer him out of many dangerous situations that would challenge any man. His working tools included a compass, sextant, time piece, charts and slide-rule among others only fisherman of his time would appreciate. Never a bragger, always modest and forever understanding, he was always a rock to those around him. He shouldered problems without complaint and told you what he thought whether it was what you wanted to hear or not. He provided for his family with the mindset he gave you what you needed and not necessarily what you always wanted. He was involved with the Local Harbour Authority, a former member of the Orange Lodge, an avid reader of maritime fishing history, a collector of tools where Ruby often joked that he “had two of everything”. He was an avid fan of Atlantic Grand Prix Wrestling where his arm chair cheering was a sight to behold at the North Sydney Forum. He took a keen personal interest in the recent “Raise the Cape Ann” project. He was silently competitive but like all fishermen he wanted to come out on top.
His presence will be missed on the waterfront, at the Coast Guard Office, as well as by the fishing community, town and his church family. He was a friend to all and had friends far and wide. Orlando, as was his way, has peacefully left us and is on a new “trip”, this time he is the mate and God is the Captain.
Respects to Orlando can be made Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at First United Church, Main Street, Louisbourg. Funeral service, officiated by Rev. Emily Duggan, will be at 11 a.m. Monday. Interment to follow at Harbourview Cemetary, Clarks Road. Reception after at MacMillan Hall next door. Funeral under the direction of Chants Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to First United Church, Louisbourg, or the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of....


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