R. B. ‘Ratch’ Wallace: ‘Captain Hollywood’

My condolences on the loss of your friend Brian. You've honoured him very well with this piece.

1 Long 2 Short,
Murray

Brian, that was so well done. Very moving. A most eloquent tribute.

___________ . .

Bob

Brian;

This is a beautifully written article and a very touching tribute to someone who obviously was a very close friend.

My condolences on your loss.

Tom

Brian,

What a touching tribute to your friend and fellow Captain. My condolences on your loss.

What readers might not know is Capt. Brian Johnson took over the wheelhouse of the Empress for its return to Kingston after the tragic loss of Capt. Ratch B. Wallace.

I was aboard the Empress for the Thousand Islands portion of its cruise that day. The solemn sail by on its return to Kingston's Harbour was a testament to Capt. Johnson, Canadian Empress owner Bob Clark and the crew who handled the tragic loss of their captain with grace and dignity. Passengers aboard the ship were moved by the floatilla, a fitting farewell for "Captain Hollywood."

Thank you, Brian. Ratch was a good man, which made him one of the best.

Thank you, one and all, for your very kind comments.
It was rare that Ratch and I were able to actually 'sit together' as we were on opposite trips all the time and with other schedules.
But... every time, it really was a pleasure!
This little tale only scratches the surface of his very eventful and colourful life!
Imagine... sitting nearby while he and novelist Sterling Hayden were 'carrying on'!!!
brian j

Brian,
Thank you, for such a beautiful article about my Dad. I have shared the article with many people, through Facebook and emails, and everyone has commented on how lovely the article was, and how those who didn't know him well, know him a little better now. My family and I are so grateful for everything that the Canadian Empress crew has done for Dad, throughout the years and after his death.
With much love, Mercedes

I met Ratch through his lovely daughter Kate when we worked together at The Belfry Theatre. Ratch was always a most gracious supporter of our shows. He had a discerning eye, knew his stuff but was always warm, generous and encouraging. A real gentleman!

I just read this beautiful tribute to Ratch Wallace and wanted to pay my respects. He was a beautiful man - in fact, the day I met him back in 1966, I thought he was one the most physically beautiful men I have ever seen. I was an actress back then and involved with David Secter's "The Offering". David was holding auditions in my apartment on Avenue Road and when Ratch arrived he filled the room with his loud and joyous presence. We became great friends and during those happy halcyon days we drank in the old "Pilot" pub, auditioning for CBC and dreamt of being stars. I remember his trying to make the film of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald (I still have a copy of the movie script)
We lost touch when he took off to become a different kind of star as captain of a ship.

Bon Voyage my old friend - I know you are filling a room somewhere up there now. JOAN BRYAN