A tribute to Tom Orr, bc commercial fisherman

Tom Orr, BC Commercial Fisherman

~ Emily Orr, Commercial Fisherman​

This is my Dad, Tom Orr, who started out salmon trolling in the early 80’s (his boat then was the Jan-Ty-Lee) and went on to spend nearly 30 years fishing prawns.

​He and my Mom had the 'Fish'Orr'Man's Market' in Brentwood Bay. I used to stop by the store on my walks home from school and can still taste the cooked shrimp they let me munch on while I watched the goings ons from behind the counter.

My Dad taught me to fish and later to run the boat myself. We fished together for 12 years - 'some of the very best memories of my life were made working alongside my Dad on the CFV Niblet. Along with the brilliance of being on the ocean, those long hours of hard work built character to last a lifetime.

Tom passed away four years ago. His wise ways and clever wit are remembered by all who knew him, and boy is he missed.

Thank you, Adam Pearl and Fisherman's Market, for shining a light on the hard working men and women of the fishing industry - much respect and appreciation to this tough bunch of oceangoing food providers.

Emily and Tom Orr at Crofton wharf after packing in the gear at the end of prawn season.