Captain Tony Toxopeus states "“CPK” was a proud Mariner who emigrated from the Netherlands he was noted for being Captain of the CCGS Skidigate with a crew of CCG Cadets, if I am not mistaken that was the smallest Government ship to have transited the N.W. Passage at that time. Capt Kalis was a very accomplished Seaman, he sailed as Mate and Master on the Estevan, both Weatherships, the Camsell and Douglas just to name a few ships. I was very fortunate to have sailed with him for almost 5 years on the CCG Rider, he should be credited for having taught and mentored many young sailors who later became Mates and Masters. (I know I am one of them) Captain Kalis was a also a natural historian and knew the history of the B.C. Coast and we shared many days exploring the Coast when we weren’t following the fishing fleet or fixing buoys." |