Hundreds of people gathered in North Vancouver Saturday to take part in a parade and memorial service to honour Tim Jones, the longtime leader of North Shore Rescue who passed away suddenly last week.
Jones died of a heart attack on Sunday while returning from the team cabin on Mount Seymour. He was 57 years old.
The celebration of life began at 10:30 a.m. with a parade through the streets of North Vancouver’s Lonsdale neighbourhood leading to the Centennial Theatre at 2300 Lonsdale Avenue for the memorial service at noon.
Jones’ family, friends, search-and-rescue colleagues from throughout B.C., fellow paramedics, Mounties and community leaders attended the procession and ceremony.
GALLERY: Hundreds gather to remember Tim Jones
His children, Curtis and Taylor, tearfully spoke at the memorial, remembering Jones as a loving father and husband to their mother.
Members of the audience broke down in tears as Curtis remembered his father, calling him “the best father any son or daughter could ask for.”
“His bravery, compassion and drive were beyond reality. He was our guardian standing watch for all who wandered astray,” said Curtis, who ended his speech by saying, “Dad, when the pager goes, we’ll be there.”
- Joffre Lakes to close for 3 periods this year under agreement with First Nations
- ‘Why aren’t we doing more?’ White Rock on edge with killer on the loose
- B.C. carjacking victim says she doesn’t trust the ‘catch-and-release’ system
- Inquest into fatal Surrey hostage-taking recommends cameras for ERT teams
Taylor thanked her dad for teaching her to love nature, for his big bear hugs and for loving her and the family so much. The crowd laughed in appreciation when she said although she sometimes cringed when she watched her dad on the news, she was incredibly proud of him when he saved someone’s life.
She was with him on the night he had a heart attack and reportedly performed CPR tirelessly trying to revive him on the trail where he collapsed.
“Most of all I loved the way that he loved our family and our husky Abbie so much,” Taylor said through tears. “On Sunday night my dad left me on Mount Seymour to become an angel. My heart broke into a million pieces. Emptiness has taken over my heart, that I know time will never heal properly. However, knowing that his spirit rests in the mountains and that his legacy will live on in North Shore Rescue through the public’s donations in his legacy… I find some comfort. There are many people and agencies that went above and beyond trying to save my father’s life on Sunday night. He would have been so proud of everyone’s efforts.”
Jones’ friends and colleagues remembered him as a mentor, who inspired younger generations and fulfilled his dream of making NSR one of the best search-and-rescue crews in North America.
The ceremony ended with a photo slideshow followed by closing remarks and Scottish bagpipers playing “Flowers in the Forest.”
Due to limited seating in the theatre, large screens were set up outside for the public to watch the service.
Road closures were in effect around the parade route, which began at Fell Armoury at 15th Street and Forbes Avenue. The parade proceeded east along 15th Street to Lonsdale Avenue, then north to the theatre.
FULL PARADE ROUTE:
Norseman Park, beside the theatre, was used as a helicopter landing zone for RCMP Helicopter Air 1, two Talon A-Stars and the 442 Squadron Military Cormorant.
Jones, a longtime paramedic, volunteered with NSR for more than 20 years.
He took part in more than 1,500 searches, rescued more than a 1,000 people and saved many lives.
READ MORE: Reflecting on Jones’ courage and compassion
He became the unofficial spokesperson for search-and-rescue teams across B.C. and was an advocate for many issues.
Jones received the Order of B.C. in 2011.
After his passing, tributes poured in for the man many called a real-life hero. He is survived by his wife, two children and dog.
At the family’s request, donations in memory of Jones can be made to North Shore Rescue online here.
Comments