Underwater plaque honours submariner

The plaque commemorating CPO2 Boileau was placed on the bottom of the ocean at Sheppard Point.

Family, friends and military members paid homage to CPO2 Richard Boileau on Oct. 6 at the site of the diving accident that claimed his life on May 19.

Five members of Fleet Diving Unit (Pacific) joined by HMCS Victoria’s Executive Officer, LCdr Christopher Holland, dedicated a memorial plaque to honour his life.

The party was transported from Brentwood Bay to Sheppard Point where the plaque was later placed.

“It was a beautiful day and a fitting tribute for Richard and his family,” said diver CPO2 Rob DeProy.

Divers CPO2 DeProy and Richard Parker were with CPO2 Boileau during the accident in the waters of the Saanich inlet near Sheppard Point.

In memory of their friend they dove to the ocean floor to lay the plaque. Before rising to the surface they touched the plaque and shook hands to honour their friend.

“The plaque was laid in 18 metres of water in a place that is accessible to all levels of divers and will be enjoyed for years to come,” said CPO2 DeProy.

Fleet Maintenance Facility foundry crafted the brass work for the plaque, an idea spearheaded by CPO2 DeProy.

“Everyone agreed it was a fantastic gesture and the family thanked all who were involved. It was an emotional day for everybody; family were very appreciative of the work that went into it and thought that it was a good tribute,” said CPO2 DeProy.

CPO2 Boileau was the coxswain in HMCS Victoria before his death.

Before taking on the role of coxswain he served as a cook in HMC Ships Protecteur, Vancouver, Regina and Victoria in 2003.

Shelley Lipke, Staff Writer