By Natalie Bruckner, Special to the Times Chronicle

The communities of Osoyoos and Oliver are mourning the loss of a cherished community member and hiking organizer, Brian Stothard, who died in a tragic accident on Nov. 7.

In a statement to the Times Chronicle, an RCMP spokesperson said: “I can confirm at this time that the Oliver RCMP did respond to a sudden death in the area of McIntyre Bluff, Oliver, BC, on Nov. 7, 2025.”

The Oliver Osoyoos Search and Rescue (OOSAR) led the search and rescue mission with valuable assistance from the Penticton Search and Rescue’s (PENSAR’s) Helicopter Long Line rescue team. The RCMP said the body of a 67-year-old male was airlifted from the scene on Nov. 8,” and that no further details would be provided at this time.

The spokesperson added: “The Penticton South Okanagan Similkameen Regional RCMP offers sincere condolences to the family and friends affected by this tragic event.”

Stothard, a nature lover known for his joy for life and generosity, has been remembered widely across the community. An outpouring of condolences and messages has appeared on local social media, with many sharing stories of how he helped others.

“He did so much more than bring community together. He got people out to be active and enjoy the beauty that surrounds us,” wrote one person. Another added: “A true member of the community. He had a love for the outdoors and gave his time to help others enjoy nature when they otherwise may have lacked the confidence or know-how.”

A commenter on Reddit who said they had hiked with Stothard several times wrote: “This is the saddest thing, both for his grieving family and for our community of hikers. I hiked with Brian several times, and he was a selfless, outgoing, belly-laughing, all-round great guy. He also volunteered in our area. He was 100 per cent a giver, not a taker, and we will all miss him a lot.”

A former CN Rail railway worker, Stothard organized many hikes throughout the South Okanagan, posting them in local Facebook groups.

A public Facebook post, shared by someone on behalf of Stothard’s daughter, indicated that he died “doing what he loved” and expressed gratitude for the community’s support.

A celebration of life is planned for Spring 2026 to tentatively be held at Park Drive Church.

The Stothard family’s Pastor at Park Drive Church – Bart Thomas – noted in a social media post that a final “farewell” was held at the Church’s regular Sunday worship service on Nov. 16.  The aim, he said, was to celebrate Brian and Patty (Brian’s surviving wife) “living in and loving our small town and serving with our church in our community.”

Pastor Thomas said he has been in close contact with Brian’s surviving wife Patty, daughter Carrie and family and noted that Patty was clearing out their Oliver home as she is moving to Alberta to be with her daughter and family.

With files by Don Urquhart