The family of Tim Jones says a memorial for the late north shore rescue team leader will be held this Saturday in North Vancouver.
Over $6600 has been raised in a memorial fund for the late rescue leader hardly eight hours after it was launched. A link to the fund can be found on the North Shore Rescue along with details of this weekend’s celebration.
A book of condolences has been placed in the foyer of North Vancouver City hall as well as a video of remembrance for Jones honouring his 25 years of service and more than 1400 rescue operations.
His son Curtis, also a member of the North Shore Rescue team, was surrounded by fellow volunteers at an emotional news conference Monday afternoon.
His father Tim was on Mount Seymour after an avalanche training session when he suffered a heart attack Sunday evening.
Tim Jones also leaves his wife and a daughter behind. He was 57 years old.
Meanwhile messages of condolence from the public, politicians, and prominent community members continue to pour in.
“Tim's a hero. It's still pretty raw,” said North Vancouver City Mayor Darrell Mussatto. “He's an amazing guy, He's a very good friend of mine and he was my instructor when I became a paramedic back in the early 80s.”
Premier Christy Clark added expressed own sympathy for Jones’ family the NSR team to this morning as well.
“Tim represented the North Shore and B.C. at our absolute best. He dedicated the best part of his life to helping people in the worst moment of theirs - Tim's North Shore Rescue team often meant the difference between life and death,” she said in a release from the premier’s office.
An advanced life support paramedic and Order of B.C. recipient Jones is being remembered as a selfless, compassionate and courageous leader recognized for saving countless lost hikers, skiers and backcountry enthusiasts.
“I met this man & I saw true kindness. He gave me his map & I won't ever forget his reassuring voice,” wrote Luci Cadman, who said she was lost on Mt. Seymour two weeks ago.
“Tim has been a tower of strength for us in his unstinting search for our son,” said Martin Billings, whose son Tom Billings went missing on the North Shore in November, and still hasn’t been found. “He was an inspiration. He was selflessly courageous and an inspirational leader of North Shore Rescue.”
“He was a compassionate and sincerely caring person. I am so sorry he lost his life so early, my condolences to his family and the NSR,” reads a tribute by Lori Moyes who broke her ankle on the Lynn Loop nine years ago.
The release on the NSR’s website says Jones died on a trail where he had led countless rescues over the years.
The release also states Jones had just completed team business at its rescue cabin on Mt. Seymour and was coming down the mountain when he collapsed.
Jones is survived by his wife and two children.
With files from Canadian Press
