MERCER, Edward
Captain · “Ted”
October 14, 1942 – March 7, 2026
MERCER, Captain Edward ‘Ted’
DOB: October 14, 1942
DOP: March 7, 2026
On Saturday, March 7, 2026, Edward “Ted” Mercer suddenly and unexpectedly passed away, leaving his broken-hearted wife and saddened family, friends and colleagues. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Donna Mary; his sister Jean Murphy (Ken); nieces Nancy Barberie, Patti Barberie, and Jill Dubuc (Bert); nephew Jay Barberie (Nicole); great-nieces Katrina Jaehrlic, Kaitlyn Dubuc, Danielle Barberie, and Lila Barberie; and great-nephews Josh Dubuc and Dylan Barberie.
In 1908, Ted’s grandfather Edward Mercer and his great-uncle William started the historic Star Shipyards (Mercer’s) in New Westminster. A restructuring of the business in 1927 brought in Edward’s sons Arthur and Gordon, who continued the family business until 1970.
Ted was born in New Westminster on October 14, 1942, to Margaret and Arthur (Art) Mercer. Ted began his maritime career by first joining the Marine Division of Ocean Concrete in 1963 as a deckhand, and, with completed courses and certification, joined Lafarge Canada in 1968 as Ship’s Master. In November 1989, he began his apprenticeship and was appointed Pilot 267 as a BC Coastal Pilot in June 1990. This was one of Ted’s lifelong goals. With this distinction came the physical requirements of being lowered from a helicopter wire to the back of the ship he was piloting, as well as climbing the sides of ships many decks high. Courses to update his piloting skills took him to Florida, Rhode Island, Poland and France. Ted continued to perform these duties until his retirement at the age of 78.
A man of action with many talents, life was never dull. He owned a power boat for water skiing and boating excursions. Ted climbed the Grouse Grind daily in the early hours, noting on the calendar a total of 3,830 times at 40 minutes each. Ted worked out with fitness classes and weight training, or spin cycle, daily.
He and Donna Mary travelled to Bora Bora, Mexico, Britain, Eastern Canada, and spent holidays together in Turks & Caicos, Maui, or Waikiki.
He maintained a meticulously manicured garden, restored his 1981 Corvette himself and completed complex renovations in two homes.
Ted is greatly missed by those who loved him.
“And all I ask is a merry yarn from a laughing fellow-rover; and a quiet sleep and a sweet dream when the long trick’s over.” John Masefield, Sea Fever
A celebration of life will be held in September. Please contact a family member for details.