Victor Harvey Dantzer
elevated jgXWS March 8, 1944 – February 13, 2021
elevated jgXWS It is with great sadness that the family of Victor Harvey Dantzer announces that he has passed away peacefully at home in Willowdale, Ontario, on Saturday, February 13th, 2021, at the age of 76 years. Victor will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 52 years, Paulette and his two sons, Dale (Lisa) and Ken (Sonja). Victor will also be fondly remembered by his four grandchildren – Max, Isabel, Oliver and Matthew. An online visitation and funeral Mass in memory of Victor will be held Friday, February 19th starting at 12:30, followed by a private outdoor burial.
elevated jgXWS In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Canadian Cancer Society https://bit.ly/3s0wRpI.
elevated jgXWS Visitation and Funeral details:
Livestream for visitation starts at 12:30 Funeral 1pm
Click here Blessed Trinity Parish, Toronto
elevated jgXWS Click on the “live streaming” button. The video will go live about 15 min before the visitation starts at 12:30pm.
elevated jgXWS A few tech notes:
Please click on the link in advance, it will take a few minutes to establish the connection.
After connection:
elevated jgXWS -Hover the mouse over the lower left hand part of the screen on a small speaker symbol with an X beside it. Click on the speaker to enable the sound (the X will disappear)
-Click on the box on the far-right hand side of the video (“full screen”) and the picture will fill your entire screen
The volume of the sound is controlled from the computer/device they are on. They may need to increase the volume on their computer / device to hear things properly.
A modern computer is the best way to watch the broadcast. Cell phones and Ipads do work – marginally, but (especially) older models can sometimes have limited or outdated technology that doesn’t always handle the sizable data that comes in with both audio and video broadcasting.
elevated jgXWS This being broadcasted over the internet, a system that has seen an incredible increase in use given the pandemic challenges. Potential streaming delays, frozen frames and so on do happen on occasion and unfortunately, we have no control over these situations.
elevated jgXWS Thank you, From Dale and Ken.
Paulette and family, I send you my deepest sympathy for your loss. Victor was such a kind and gentle man. May you be strengthened by the memories of your time together.
Silvia Rotolo
Dear Paulette, I was so sad to hear of Vic’s passing. I had to smile looking at the beautiful photos that were posted – amazing memories form a great guy – and you were a devoted and loving wife. my deepest sympathy to you, Dale, Ken, your dear families and friends.
love, Freda
Dearest Paulette,
My prayers and condolences go out to you and your family. May Victor rejoice in the presence of God, in the glory of heaven.
Though I did not know your husband well, I did get to know you and it is with confidence that I can say he must have been a wonderful husband, father and grandfather.
May God bless you, Victor and your family.
Dear Paulette,
We were so sorry to hear of Victor’s passing. Keeping you and your family in our thoughts during this difficult time. We will remember Victor fondly with his radiant smile and jolly laugh.
Noukhovitch & Farris families
We were very sorry to hear of Vic’s passing. He was a very pleasant, charming man, one of the best commodores we have had. We wish you the best, Paulette.
Oliver Bertin and Peggy Haist
NYC
Dearest Paulette: I wish to extend my deepest condolences to you, Dale, Ken and all your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. All my love, Cindy (Ashton).
Paulette, Dale (Lisa), Ken (Sonja) and your wonderful children, I send my deepest condolences to all of you. I was almost like a third son and I will truly miss Vic. Lety, Kyra, Nadya and I are all thinking of you and love you very much.
Dear Paulette thinking of you and your family at this difficult time. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Goodbyes are so hard. Wishing you strength and peace. A big hug from Piera 🌹.
Paulette and family, I was so shocked and deeply saddened by the news of Vic’s passing. My deepest sympathy and condolences to you. I hope that my thoughts and prayers for you and your boys at this trying time bring you a modicum of comfort.
Hi Paulette thinking of you and your family at this difficult time. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Thanks for sharing beautiful photos. Wishing you strength and peace in the days ahead. A big hug from Piera.🌹
Please accept sincere condolonces from us at the Broad Reach foundation for Youth. We share the love of sailing and we received the benefit of the club’s support, including Commodore Dantzer’s. We forward our kindest regards.
Dearest Paulette & family,
Chad & I are sending caring thoughts your way as you journey through your grief during this sad time in your lives. Vic was a wonderful person who volunteered tirelessly at the National Yacht Club. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Love and hugs, Chad & Patricia Humphrey xxx
Dear Paulette,
Vic was always a cheery presence at the National Yacht Club, where his work as commodore and his charming personality will long be remembered.
I send my condolences to you and your family at this difficult time.
John King
Dear Paulette, I was really saddened today to learn of Vic’s passing and send you and the family my heartfelt condolences. Vic was such a gentle, kind man, an accomplished sailor who loved the NYC. I shall always remember his lovely smile, his willingness to lend a hand or share his expertise when asked. May his memory be a blessing and guide you through the times.
ahead.
With much love,
Sheila Flattery
Dear Paulette, Dale Ken and extended family members, we are so sorry for your loss, We knew Vic mostly from membership at NYC, he was a person who cared deeply about our Yacht club, Past Commodore , past chair of the advisory board along with many other volunteer involvement. We were delighted to see him sailing last season on his beloved Victory Dance. Sail on Vic wishing you fair winds and calm seas. Blessings to all.
Denys and Anne
Dear Paulette, I’m so very sorry to hear of Vic’s passing. He was a true Gentleman and will be missed by all who knew him. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
Jasmine Lovric NYC
Paulette and family
We were sorry to hear of the loss of Vic and wanted to salute his many contributions to the club over the years. Our boat is next to Richard and Karen Bryer and one day Vic told the story of the new club house being built during a recession and that it’s actually half of the original design. He was Commodore through significant change and navigated it well. He will be missed by all his friends at National.
I was so sorry to hear of Vic’s passing – he will be sorely missed by us all.
May I offer my most sincere condolences
Hi Paulette thinking of you and your family at this very sad time. Sending prayers, love and hope for peace and strength in the days to come. Hold tight all the good memories. A big hug from Piera.🌹
Dale and family, we wish to extend our deepest condolences on the passing of your father, Victor. May you cherish all the fond memories created with him. You and the family are in our thoughts and prayers during this time. God bless you and your family.
The Di Trani family
Paulette, Dale and Ken – we were so sorry to hear of Vic’s passing. It just seems like yesterday that you took a bunch of IBM rookies under your wings in Windsor, introducing us to so many wonderful experiences!
Vic and all of you will be in our memories forever – our deepest sympathies. Rob and Sue Steele.
We heard about your loss of Vic. We’re so sorry about his passing. Know that you’re in our prayers during this very difficult time.
My dear Paulette – my deepest thoughts and condolences to you, Dale and Kenny…am honored to have known Vic and having him as my wing buddy!!
Know that am I thinking about all of you and sending you a virtual hug!
Love Moira
Paulette, my sincere condolences to you and the rest of your family and friends. I knew Vic only through sailing but can only imagine the passion and spirit he lived the rest of his life with. Vic was a force and we will all miss his hearty laugh.
Fair Winds Vic Dantzer
Dear Paulette,
I am so saddened to hear of Vic’s passing. Vic will be remembered for his huge smile, a twinkle in his eyes, his positive and enthusiastic outlook, good words, fun stories, and his great love for family and friends. I am honoured to have been a part of his NYC family all these years.
⁶A great guy and friend. We will always remember him for the days at National Yacht Club and skiing in Collingwood. Our condolences Pauline and the boys
Dear Paulette,
We were saddened to hear of Vic’s passing. We will always remember our first sail on Victory Dance right after we joined NYC as crew members – we were last ones in that night because all on board had to take a turn at the helm and various other crew positions. He was great teacher, who shared his love of sailing with so many at NYC. Our deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Althought the last time I saw Vic was at the yacht club for an IBM reunion, I remember Vic as the jovial smiling guy from Windsor, even though we were all in Toronto by then.
My deepest symathies to you all. A serious loss to us all. In fond memories, Keith
Dear Paulette
We were very saddened to hear of Vic’s passing. 36 years ago Vic introduced us to National Yacht Club and made us feel at home. We will miss his cheery open smile, infectious laugh and warm welcome each time we saw him at the club. Our condolences to you and your family.
I remember working with Vic at IBM. He was always friendly, helpful and approachable in addition to his great technical knowledge.
Dear Paulette and family: My condolences to you on Vic’s death. We raced with Victory Dance for years, and he snuck by us all to often. He was a gentleman on and off the water. Aaron Fenton on AVRA.
Dearest Paulette and family, I am so happy that you all were able to accompany your beloved husband, father and grandfather so lovingly and faithfully on this stage of his journey, that he was able to depart this life surrounded by love. He was a man with a great heart for life and for others. May he rest in peace in the bosom of the Father.
Dear Paulette, How fortunate I am that Vic welcomed me as part of the Victory Dance team for the last few years. A favourite memory is of him raising his arms to judge the wind speed by how it stirred his arm hairs. I will miss him and his hugs. My deepest sympathy to you and the family.
Dear Paulette and family,
We are so sad for you as you grieve the loss of your Vic. Dan has so many wonderful memories of Vic with IBM and especially Basic Training School where his expertise with Assembler Language helped Dan after our honeymoon in the middle of the course. Vic was always a kind and thoughtful man and friend. May your Vic Rest In Peace.
Paulette and Family. Thinking of all of you during this very difficult time. I am so sorry for your loss.
Dr D our sincere sympathies on the passing of your father.
Thinking of you all today. Wishing that Jeff and I could be there with you . My heary is extremely heavy. Love you Paulette xox
Dear Paulette, Dale, Ken, and Families. Our deepest sympathies on Vic’s passing. We have many fond memories of him. He was a good man and will be missed.
Paulette, Dale and Ken & Families…. we have such fond memories of Vic… a friend and mentor all those years ago at IBM in Windsor, as well as on the water throughout the years. His smile and laugh are unforgettable. A wonderful guy, and we send our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to you….
Paulette, we are so saddened by Vic’s passing. We enjoyed numerous memorable nautical social events with both of you. Roger learned to sail as Tuesday night crew on VICTORY DANCE. We will cherish memories of these occasions all our lives. You are in our prayers.
Paulette and family, I was shocked and saddened when learning of Vic’s passing. We worked together in IBM for a several years in the downtown Toronto office. Vic was a help to my career and I thought of him as a friend during those years and after. He will be missed by many people that he met and befriended over the years.
Paulette and family,
Candy and I were truly saddened to learn of Vic’s passing. I benefitted from knowing him both from sailing and business; he was a gentleman in both. He certainly enjoyed time on the water and his contributions to the National and the sailing community at large will long be remembered. Our thoughts are with you.
Dear Paulette, Dale and family. Our deepest sympathies to you at this time. Some of my happiest memories of the past 10 years have been on Victory Dance with Vic at the helm. His calm, wisdom and cheerfulness were a constant inspiration and I’m sure were the same for everyone else in his life. He was one of those people who left the world a better place.
Ken, Dale and Mrs Dantzer Our deepest sympathy at this sad time. Thinking of you all, hugs
Roseanne and Wade
Paulette. My deep and sincere condolences to you and your family on the passing of Victor. Sorry for your loss.
Hey everyone, it’s me…I have a few words to say about Uncle Vic.
Let’s begin with the origins of his name……
The origin of Uncle Vic’s name is” from the Roman name meaning victor, conqueror in Latin. It was common among early Christians and was borne by several early saints and three popes. It was rare as an English name during the Middle Ages, but it was revived in the 19th century” (behind the name, 2021). This doesn’t surprise me because Uncle Vic was a fighter. He fought to the end.
When I think about my earliest memories of Uncle Vic, I remember he always was smiling. There isn’t a picture that I can find where he is not a happy man. Even during my very last moments with Uncle Vic he was smiling. That only tells me, he enjoyed life.
Uncle Vic was highly intelligent and could debate on a variety of subject matter. He knew the current news and trends and was ready to discuss them. There were many times where we differed, but that was ok. A beer or two fixed everything.
When I was young child, I remember Uncle Vic with a full head of red hair and sideburns to match. I vaguely remember the visits to the family home on Coventry as toddler… but they were always fun and a flurry of activity because I was it. Then Pat came along (he had to spoil my fun), followed by Lou-Ann, and then Uncle Vic’s pride and joy arrived, Dale, and a few years later Ken.
From a male perspective, there is no better joy in life then to have two boys, unless you have a girl… which didn’t happen.
Over the years, Uncle Vic (along with Aunt Paulette, of course) helped to teach the boys to become productive adults (as this is the job all parents) …. and boy did they do a great job.
Going Forward, many years later (because I don’t want to bore you), Uncle Vic left this world, for a better place, as a man that had everything. He was a Husband, Father, Grandfather, Cousin, and Friend. Can you ask for better????? No. Could he have lived longer???, yes. But, as you know, God’s plan is not the same as ours. So, what do we have?
To Lisa, Mathew and Isabel, and Sonya, Max and Oliver, you have great memories of your Father-in- law and Grandpa. Cherish the time you had with Vic and Grandpa because it is rare and honour his memory.
To Dale and Ken, your Dad was a great man that taught how to be who you are, remember that ( I know I don’t have to tell you that because you know, but I recognize it).
To Aunt Paulette (nee SiS), I love you and will be here for you…Lean on me when ever you need to.
Love you all. Stay healthy and safe.
Chris, Sofy, Brenna and Zack
Paulette and family, we are very sorry to hear about Vic’s passing. We can still hear his laughter both on the water and in the office. Like all great skippers, he also knew how to yell out what needed to be done. He was a fantastic mentor who became a good friend. We send our thoughts and prayers to you.
Paulette, my sincere condolences to you and your family.
May God rest Vic’s soul in peace.
“It’s sad when someone you know becomes someone you knew.”(Henry Rollins)
We are so sorry to hear Vic’s passing. We crewed with Vic for so many years- I started in the days when Ken was in High School. Raced weekends and weekdays. Cruised up the lake and always enjoyed the time. Take care, Paulette, we will be staying in touch.
My most sincere condolences on the passing of Uncle Vic.
He was such a sweet and caring man and will be so very missed.
Sending my love and prayers to Auntie Paulette and the family <3
Dear Paulette and family, I have the privilege and pleasure to have a one on one lunch at Paisano (near Leslie and York Mills) with Vic. Such a gentle and loving person I have ever met! In that morning, I went to the IBM retiree meeting and to my surprise, Vic was the only person I knew there. After the meeting, we both looked at the “lunch” in front of us there and immediately came to the conclusion that we needed to go somewhere else for lunch. I am a pasta liver and Vic is the restaurant expert (and had a car when I didn’t!). Decision was easy. Vic was the boss! Regards, Dom
Dearest Paulette
I am sending you all my love and support at this time. May God rest Vic in peace and be with you and your beautiful family.
Tudor’s heart goes out to you too and we both wish we could be really present – not virtually – as we are now.
God bless
Rodica and Tudor
Paulette, my sincere condolences to you and your family. I knew Vic through the National Yacht Club. He was always available to answer questions and help when asked. He was a gentleman. Will miss Vic at the National Yacht and on the race course. Fair winds and calm seas Vic Danzer.
Dear Paulette, Dale, Ken & extended family,
Langston Hughes wrote,
“How still, How strangely still,
The water is today,
It is not good,
For water,
To be so still that way.”
Vic was loved and respected greatly by his community at the National Yacht Club, friend to all, mentor to us lucky ones, he will be greatly missed on the docks, the weeknight races and the cheer afterwards.
Our thoughts and prayers are in our hearts for your lost
Lawrence and Sandra
That was a nice service, Paulette.
Best wishes,
Oliver and Peggy
NYC
Paulette, Dale, Ken, Lisa, Sonya, Isabel, Max, Oliver and Matthew,
Our deepest condolences to you all, in the loss of your husband/father/grandfather. Vic was a very kind man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. It was such a lovely service.
Love always, Debbie, Alan, Jessica, Caitlyn and Michael.
We will always remember Victor as our dear neighbour, who together with Paulette welcomed us to the neighbourhood 20 years ago. Our hearts are with you in this sad moment – Paulette, Ken, Dale and your families.
We did not learn until today of Vic’s passing, but that doesn’t make it any easier, other than Kay and I were able to sign into the church service and add our sadness of loosing a good friend too. We will miss Vic. We pray that Paulette will find solace in prayer and in all of the condolences and confirmations received. She will also have 52 years of memories, the love of her wonderful family, and the support of her many friends, including Kay and me.
Dear Paulette and Family,
We are truly saddened to hear of Vic’s passing and wish that you all find peace in the wonderful memories generated over a life well lived.
I will always remember Vic for his smiling face and for the help he gave me when I took on the job of Commodore of the National Yacht Club.
Please accept our greatest sympathies.
Paul and Ruth-Ann
Paulette, Dale and Ken,
I was lucky to be welcomed on Victory Dance and sail with Vic the last few years. His calm presence on the helm and hearty laugh will be sorely missed. He was quick to laugh and always had a smile on his face. He willingly shared lots of sailing advice including which the golf club would deliver breakfast to your boat/picnic bench on the way down to Kingston. Wishing your family love and support during this sad time.
Mrs. Dantzer, Dale & Ken,
I knew Mr. Dantzer as Dale & Ken’s father, and of course, the captain of his boat. He was an imposing figure. Smart, tall & solid figure, with that deep voice that would resonate through your body.
Mr. Dantzer knew a lot about a lot. A jack of all trades for sure. And a master of many of them too. I didn’t know a lot about sailing, but it was clear that he was an excellent captain. I always felt comfortable and safe on his boat and productive too. He found the right role for each person to contribute.
When Dale and I would debate countless topics about cars, science, whatever, often Mr. Dantzer would be listening patiently at a distance, and then near the end, as our discussion would taper off, he would ask just one question that would put all our discussion into question because of a point of view we had not considered. He was teaching us something, but first allowing us to explore. I think this is how he raised both Dale & Ken, and one reason they are both remarkable people.
Mr. Dantzer lives on through Dale, Ken, and his grandchildren. This is a good thing. The world needs more people like him.
We are so sorry for your loss.
Christian, Gina, Melissa & Nicholas
I will miss Vic at the club and on the water on Victory Dance.
My condolences to the family.
The descriptions of Vic in the Messages above were so accurate, and so complementary. His wonderful smile, his infectious laugh, his deep authoritative voice, and the fact that he knew ” a lot about a lot” made him a larger than life personality in his circle of acquaintances and friends. I have known Vic for almost 50 years; as a business colleague at IBM in Southwestern Ontario, as member at NYC, as an instructor in basic racing skills on Victory Dance, and when he regularly walked past my dock mooring. Vic always had time to stop to talk to you, even though he was often carrying sails, rigging or engine parts, provisioning supplies on his way to or from his boat. He was a very good friend. He was a very good man.
I will miss him.
Jim Johnson
Dear Paulette, Dale, Ken and family,
Sending love and prayers at this difficult time.
For you Vic was a husband, father and grandfather and to his crew he was someone who we all loved, followed and admired. His knowledge of the water and sailing was unparalleled. It was for us all a privilege to sail with Vic and learn from him while always keeping safe and having fun. Winning was part of Wednesdays, but I think it was really about the joy of spending time together after a long day at work. There was simply nothing better than being on the water on a Wednesday evening with Vic and our crew. We also shared many a story on our weekend races (often hearing them more than once), but for some reason they never grew old as the laughter was so worth it.
To me personally Vic was kind, patient and always willing to listen to ‘whatever’ I may have to say, and I mean even the most rudimentary of questions I would have about sailing. I will miss him calling me ‘eagle eyes’ and when he would ask me to find a mark or keep an eye out for the committee boat or the ever present marine patrol. I never really understood how much that meant to me that he valued my presence on race night but now with some reflection it is something I will miss deeply and cherish forever.
After reading the wonderful messages from only some of Vic’s fellow sailors, it is evident from their words they all knew what a knowledgeable and important part of Lake Ontario sailing he was. The NYC was blessed to have Vic as a member and of course it’s Commodore. He will be missed at the NYC on so many levels but most of all as just a nice guy that was always there to lend a hand and answer any questions one may have. He quite often could not make it down the dock or finish his meal without someone asking for his advice which he always gave so freely and with a great deal of thought.
We will miss our skipper and dear friend Vic.
Love and friendship, Tracey.
Our deepest condolences to Paulette, Dale, Ken and your families,
Vic was a great neighbour and a proud father and grandfather.
We will deeply miss him.
Sincerely,
Bruce, Effie, Peter and John
Dear Paulette, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your Vic. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.🌹
Roxy
I just learned today of Vic’s passing, as I have been on PEI for the past 13 years. I will always remember the good times we all had at NYC and Vic’s guidance to the club over the years. My deepest sympathy to you, Paulette, and your family at this difficult time.
Vic literally taught me the ropes when it came to working the fore-deck, and was extremely patient, kind and understanding with me and other ‘newbies’ who were lucky enough to crew with him on Victory Dance. I learned almost everything I know about sailing from him, and always enjoyed the positive environment he fostered aboard Victory Dance during the club races.
Thanks for that Vic…I will be sure to tell some long yarns about you to my kids when I’m back out on the Ottawa River with my 2 kids this summer…your spirit lives on.
Paulette,
My heart goes out to you and your family at this difficult time. An old friend from NYC reached out to me today and in the course of conversation I asked of Vic and was terribly saddened to hear that he had passed away. His smile, his laugh, and seeing both of you at the club (especially pre launch when you both worked diligently getting Victory Dance ready for launch) are some of my favourite memories of NYC. I loved passing him on the dock or in the clubhouse after racing. He would always have a wink and a smile and ask “how’d you do?” And I always looked forward to telling him. Although I never had the honour of sailing with him, I cannot think of sailing without his face popping up in my head. He was my silent mentor 🙂
May time heal your heart and leave you with the warmth of your memories which I’m sure are endless.