By Don Urquhart, Times Chronicle
Tributes have been flowing in for David Yanor who was the victim of a mobile home fire in Osoyoos in the early morning hours last Friday, Jan. 19.
Yanor, also casually known as Captain David, was a familiar sight on Osoyoos Lake in his red sailboat which he moored just north of Lion’s Park. As one person commented on Facebook, he had more “lake days” or time on the water than probably anybody else in town.
Local resident Rob Vandal posted a tribute to Yanor on local Facebook page “Osoyoos Connect” saying: “In memory of Captain David, the fearless sailor of the little red sailboat. Despite his age and deafness, he navigated storms on the lake, living his best life with unwavering courage.
“A well-known figure, he lent a helping hand to those in need. Tragically, he passed away in a home fire. Captain David’s indomitable spirit and kindness will be deeply missed, leaving behind a legacy of resilience and generosity on Osoyoos Lake he so passionately sailed. Fair winds, Captain David.”
Vandal is keen on continuing Yanor’ legacy of loving the lake and shared with the Times Chronicle his idea of possibly putting his boat back on the water to help kids learn about sailing and the lake itself. He’s asking if anyone has any information about Yanor’s family to please share it with him or through the Times Chronicle.
Another long-time Osoyoos resident and sailboat owner, Ken Baker said he knew Yanor in passing from sailing on the lake and while Baker is a member of the Osoyoos Sailing Club he noted that Yanor wasn’t a member.
“He was on his own out on the lake and he probably put more time on the lake than anyone, he was always out there,” Baker said.
“In the last year, I got to know him more because he helped me work on our website for the Festival Society.”
And as it turns out Baker had just been talking to Yanor on Thursday night. “I was talking to him, just like late the night before the fire and I heard about the fire and I sent him well email in the morning asking if he was okay. That would have been when they were putting the fire out . . . sad,” he said, his voice trailing off.
In an online obituary, Yanor was described as a “crusader for the environment” and someone with both a keen sense of humour and vast vocabulary. “A true bibliophile, David was passionate about books and newspapers,” which ultimately saw him in a later career as an editor of independent books.
In a Facebook post following the fire, Osoyoos Fire Rescue Chief Corey Kortmeyer called on the community to take a moment and recognize the hard work of the paid-on-call firefighters.
“We had a call yesterday with challenging outcomes. Everyone stepped up to assist, and it was truly a long day for us all.” He went on to thank the Osoyoos RCMP, Osoyoos BC Ambulance, Fortis Gas, Fortis Electric and the Town of Osoyoos staff for their help on Friday.
“It took many for us to complete the tasks required,” he said, adding “We would also like to extend our sincerest love to the family and friends of those affected.”
The investigation is ongoing and the exact cause of the fire has yet to be determined, Bayda said, adding it does not appear suspicious.
“Our condolences go out to the family and friends of the deceased during this most difficult time,” Bayda added.
The BC Coroners Service has been engaged and is conducting its concurrent fact-finding investigation.
The Town of Osoyoos issued a Boil Water Notice as a result of the fire due to the use of hydrants which puts stress on the overall water system. As of Friday, Jan. 26, 4:30 p.m. the boil water notice was rescinded.
Memorial donations may be made to the BC Cancer Society or Osoyoos Fire Rescue.
