On September 17^th, 2009 our Captain made his final embarkation from his home port to eternity.  As he set sail on this final journey, we shed tears at his passing.  We mourn that he will not be there on the bridge from eight to midnight.  As we mourn, however, we question how we might honour this man. 

One thousand of us have grown up and taken ship under the hand of Strab.  His example was one of quiet dignity.  He spoke no useless words, and in a time of cacophony in all walks of our lives, he was content with the silences between people.  The moment between a question asked and answered was a reverie with Strab.  He took his time; he was careful with words. 

So we will be careful with his legacy. 

We cannot scatter his ashes from the decks of the Concordia as he asked.  However, the ashes are not Strab.  Strab lives in the memory of children, now men and women who took ship with him: those who learned how to dead reckon a ship on the bridge; those who asked him a question in the half light of the ship’s office; those who stood waiting for the smile during Captain’s inspection that made the morning work worth it.   So long as we remember, he sails still.

This morning I have written a cheque to the West Island College International Captain Straburzynski Scholarship - In Trust.  If each of us who has sailed with this man commits to his legacy, then a child, one who grew up in as humble a circumstance as Strab himself, can take ship on the ocean he knew.  This is how we would scatter Strab’s ashes to the world.  We would have it done by the hand on deck of children every year.  I challenge you to join us in building this endowment.  Mike and Barb Fretwell of Mission Geospatial Ltd, have committed two thousand five hundred dollars per year to honouring our departed Captain.  Their challenge to you is below.   

On November 18^th, Strab’s wife Barbara and his sons will join us on the decks of the Concordia in Istanbul, Turkey.  You too are welcome.  I hope that by then we will be able to give them news of the legacy we will offer to our lost Captain.  Please feel free to email me your commitments before that time or indeed simply make the commitment by sending on your donation.  As the Alumni Association is only in its infancy we appreciate you forwarding this appeal to any of your crewmates and parents.   This letter is for all of us. 

Thank you,

Nigel McCarthy

President and CEO

Dear Kate,

We wish to offer our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Captain Straburzynski.  Although we never had a opportunity to meet the Captain it is obvious that his legacy runs deep within the Class Afloat organization, to which he contributed so much over the years.  It is in part due to his contributions to the program that we are able to entrust Class Afloat with our daughter.

If I may be so bold, I would like to suggest that a Andrzej Straburzynki Memorial Trust Fund or Scholarship be established.  This fund would be used to sponsor underprivileged children from around the world, so that they can take part in the Class Afloat experience, of which he was such a fundamental part.  In this way his legacy and contributions will retain their poignancy, and his belief in the power of cross cultural and cross national relationships can be fostered.

In order to kick this fund off, our company , Mission Geospatial Ltd, is willing to contribute $2500 CDN annually, so long as we are able to do so.  I also challenge other Floaties, staff, alumni and their families to contribute to the fund to the extent which they are able.

Warmest regards,

Mike Fretwell ALS CLS

President & CEO

Mission Geospatial Ltd.

Please click HERE to make your donation.