Burlington firefighter laid to rest was ‘quintessential gentleman’
A Burlington firefighter who founded an organization for firefighters affected by cancers was given a funeral with full firefighter honours on Thursday after losing his own battle with cancer on Saturday.
Tim Catterall, a firefighter for more than 30 years, was described as a courageous and dedicated family man, and true brother. He was 62.
He was the founder of Firefighters Against Cancer’s Existence (FACE) after he was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia when he was 48.
The non-profit organization raises awareness for cancers The funeral procession for Burlington firefighter Tim Catterall makes its way down Brant Street on Thursday morning.
affecting firefighters and the support of cancer research.
Those who worked with him all knew him as a dedicated, hardworking firefighter. Dan Vanderlelie, president of Burlington Professional Firefighters Association, Local 1552, explained that
his death is considered a line-ofduty death because of provincial legislation that was passed in 2007, recognizing the link between firefighting and certain types of cancer. Catterall was brave in the face of cancer, Vanderlelie said, noting support has
been pouring in from firefighters across North America.
“He fought for not only bringing awareness to the cancers, but for speaking out about safety and protecting ourselves as firefighters.
“He was the quintessential gentleman,” he said. “He loved his family more than his job, but when he had to take leave because of treatments, it was one of the most difficult decisions he had to make in his life.”
“He was so well respected in the department,” he said, adding it’s a difficult time for the entire fire department right now. “I watched him, completely physically drained, and still beat the drum (for FACE), encouraging us to make donations to Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto.”
Catterall, who lived in St. Catharines, was surrounded by his family when he died. His wife of 32 years, Lucie, his children, Chelsey and Joel, along with other family members were by his bedside.