Dear Editor:
We have lost someone special.
I somehow missed the news of the past few days — until this morning, when I picked up the newspaper and read that Tim Jones had died. I felt like someone had punched me in the stomach.
I never had the chance to meet him. Many who did likely owe their lives to him and the North Shore Rescue team. But I know of him, through his many appearances on TV, and his many quotes in the papers: speaking about a recent rescue, using the moments to share tips on how to stay safe in the woods, and publicly insisting that there not be a charge for their rescue services.
I feel I know him. He is a legend on the North Shore.
I have always felt safer when hiking in the woods, knowing we, the North Shore, could lay claim to the very best rescue team, likely in the world, right here, in our own neighbourhood. I have often wished I had been fit enough, courageous enough, and selfless enough to become a volunteer with North Shore Rescue, and in some small way, give back to the community I call home.
Too many times to count, I have seen the rescue helicopter circling the mountain tops, in search for someone.
All of the people who are living today because of Tim, all of the people who have been touched by the work of the North Shore Rescue, we must do something to remember this life. This man.
I am struck with grief knowing that he is no longer with us.
I ask and urge every single one of you to do something right now, to help remember Tim Jones: whether with a donation, or volunteering for the North Shore Rescue team, or starting a petition to name a building, a street, a community centre, a hospital wing after him — something — so that when future generations ask, "Who was Tim Jones?" his story will continue. And I hope that every single person who lives here on the North Shore will remember him, his teachings, and enjoy the woods, safely, and give to each other, completely.
Joy Fai
North Vancouver
