On a day of endless blue skies and calm waters, a seaman was given a spectacular send off yesterday inside Hamilton Harbour.

Today he will be laid to rest.

Roger Pitcher, 24, worked less than two years for Marine and Ports, but his kind demeanour and dedicated work ethic was honoured as if he was part of the team for decades.

Dozens of his co-workers showed up for the tribute. They squeezed onto the decks of six boats and ferries, then those vessels fanned out in a horizontal line paralleling Front Street.

It was an impressive sight that caught the eye of every passer-by coming into the city on the harbour’s edge.

“I never expected it. I’m very grateful they did it,” said Mr. Pitcher’s father Ricky.

“It shows you that he loved them and they love him.”

Ricky L. Pitcher and his family took in the tribute onboard the Warbaby Fox, surrounded by their loved one’s former co-workers.

Roger Pitcher died on Sunday, three days after he was severely injured when he lost control of his motorcycle on Kindley Field Road in a single-vehicle crash. Police are investigating a cause.

Paul Trew crewed with Mr. Pitcher from his earliest days on the job. He got the call late Thursday night that his friend was in the hospital and the prognosis wasn’t good.

“The next morning I went straight to the hospital,” Mr. Trew explained while standing next to the fast ferry he pilots. I was at the hospital ever since — until Sunday night.”

On that night, just after his son’s passing, Ricky Pitcher learned that his boy had been promoted two months ago from Seaman to Leading Seaman. It was a proud moment.

Roger’s friends outside of work took part yesterday’s tribute as well. Antoine Lugo addressed the crowds onboard and onshore through a loud speaker: “I’m sure Roger would love this moment right now. Right now he’s shining down on us, looking down — saying ‘thank you.’”

After those words, the crowd of more than 100, bowed heads in a moment of silence.

Today at 11 a.m Roger’s body will be carried onto the Warbaby Fox <$>and ferried out to sea for a wreath laying ceremony and prayer. A traditional funeral service will follow at the St. George’s Seventh Day Adventist Church.

* The Marine and Ports Department is participating in the funeral services of Leading Seaman Roger Pitcher today.

As a result, the department is advising ferry users that some service will be cancelled or delayed:

- No service to Cavello Bay and Waterford Bridge from 11:45 a.m. - 3:45 p.m.

- Minor delays on commuter routes out of Hamilton from 4:00 p.m - 5:30 p.m.