Times Colonist, 28 August 1997

Farewell to a Friend

The Victoria Real Estate Board’s Classic Boat Festival lost a charter member on April 21, when Thomas Irvine Cormack passed away.  Irv “completed his watch” quietly in his sleep on board his beloved classic the MV Hulakai.

Irv was one of the founders of this festival in 1978 and its appropriate to honour his memory on this, its 20^th anniversary.  For the past several years, Irv generously made Hulakai available as the festival committee boat.  His ready smile and warm hospitality will be sorely missed by everyone.

Irv Cormack was one of a kind.  All who knew him and respected and admired his forthrightness, honesty and devotion.  He loved the sea, his vessel and the West Coats.  The HUlakai was a familiar sight nesting at anchor in secluded bays from Seattle to Desolation Sound.

We will all keep a lookout on behalf of Irv as we cruise the Coast and will miss his friendly radio call from the Hulakai.

In honour of Irv, affectionately known as the “voice of the festival parade” the festival committee has introduced a new trophy this year: The Irv Cormack Memorial Award for the best power boat built prior to 1940.