Central Fraser Valley Search and Rescue (CFVSAR) is among search and rescue teams across the province mourning the death of one of their own.
Lee Holeczek of CFVSAR said about a dozen members of the local squad will attend the memorial service on Saturday in Vancouver for Tim Jones, the leader and spokesman for North Shore Rescue (NSR).
Jones died Sunday at the age of 57 after collapsing from sudden cardiac arrest on a trail on Mount Seymour.
Holeczek, who joined CFVSAR 14 years ago, said the local squad worked with Jones and NSR members in training exercises and occasional rescue missions.
Holeczek said he also knew Jones from regional search manager meetings that were held annually.
He said Jones was outspoken in his views of the safety of volunteer searchers and the need for more stable funding for search and rescue teams in the province.
Jones was also adamant that people should not be charged for the cost of a rescue mission.
He was well known for his professionalism, dedication and expertise, Holeczek said.
“Tim’s death is a loss to all of us (search and rescue teams), for sure,” he said.
CFVSAR serves the communities of Abbotsford, Langley Township and Langley City.