More than 100 people turned out for a memorial service honouring fallen wildland firefighter Zak Muise in Penticton, B.C., on Wednesday.
Muise died on July 28 when his heavy-duty ATV rolled over a steep drop on a gravel road north of Fort St. John fighting the Donnie Creek wildfire.
The procession and memorial took place at Skaha Lake Park and involved the RCMP, Penticton Fire Department and Muise’s colleagues from Big Cat Wildfire.
“There are no words to describe how a father and mother feel about the loss of their child,” Paul Kraunic, a representative of Muise’s family, told the service.
“It’s all you can do to get through the day. A very wise person told me it’s one moment at a time. During the sorrow, celebrate the wonderful memories. Where there is great love, there is great loss.”
Kraunic also read from a message from Muise’s father, Tim, to the 25-year-old.
“I am so lucky to have a son that — from the moment he arrived and the moment he departed — was so full of life. Enthusiastic, passionate, warm, understanding … Zak was blessed with endless gifts, none more than his burning desire to live his dream to become a firefighter,” he read.
“It’s a dream that comes with hard work, persistence, incredible patience and a will to protect others — in virtually every case, people he has never met.”
Mike Smesman, owner-operator of Big Cat Wildfire, described Muise as a person with a “heart of gold,” with a passion for life, the outdoors, and firefighting.
“Zak lived his life for this calling,” he said.
“As I spoke with his dad, Tim, yesterday, he told me about his many conversations with Zak, he spoke of how he was proud to be working on the Donnie Creek fire, of the relationships and the bonds that he was building with his fellow firefighters.
“That is where he wanted to be. He was doing what he loved.”
Penticton Mayor Julius Bloomfield told the memorial said Muise had made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the community.
“We want to say a big thank you to him and to his family, for sharing this moment with us — to say thank you for raising a son who is prepared to help others and headed towards danger in order to protect others,” he said.
“We would also pay tribute to Zak and all of his colleagues who do so much for us — it’s a small way to recognize the contribution and sacrifice Zak made, and all his colleagues who put themselves in that position, we acknowledge them.”
Muise, who lived in Kelowna and originally hailed from Waterford, Ont., was the fourth firefighter to die on duty in Canada fighting wildfires this summer, and the second in British Columbia.
Last month, 19-year-old Devyn Gale died fighting a wildfire near her home in Revelstoke, B.C.
Three days later, Adam Yeadon, 25, died fighting a wildfire near his Fort Liard, N.W.T., home.
Alberta’s Ryan Gould, 41, died near Haig Lake 140 kilometres northeast of Peace River, Alta. on July 19 when his helicopter crashed while fighting another fire.
In a statement following Muise’s death, B.C. Premier David Eby said he was “devastated to learn that we have lost another wildfire fighter. My heart goes out to the family, friends and colleagues of this front-line hero.
“On behalf of all British Columbians, we grieve this terrible news with you.”
With files from Taya Fast and The Canadian Press
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