Sparwood,  B.C.- Thousands attended a public memorial yesterday for the eight men who died in an avalanche near Fernie. They were remembered as loving fathers and friends who loved the outdoors.

 

On the stage, eight easels, each one holding a poster sized photo of one of the men killed a week ago when a series of avalanches rumbled down the mountain near Fernie.

 

Kane Rusnak (30)
Warren Rothel (33)
Michael Stier (20) and his father, Len Stier (45)
Blayne Wilson ( 26)
Kurt Kabel (28)
Thomas Talarico (32)
Danny Bjarnason (28

 

Those who addressed the crowd, talked of laughter and love, of loss and the numbness that has enveloped the families and the community.

 

The community of Sparwood’s former pastor, David Purdy said there is a feeling of confusion, not knowing what to do next. While he tried to offer sympathy to the family and friends of those who died, Purdy also turned to the three survivors and urgng them not to blame themselves for the tragedy "There are difficult days ahead, but you are surrounded by friends and family, talk to them, do not carry this burden alone."

 

The people behind the outdoors site www.snowandmud.com have launched an effort to raise funds for the families of the avalanche victims. You can make a donation (through Paypal) by going to the website and scrolling down the main page. Look for the donation link on the left side of the page. As of yesterday, more than $4,000 had been donated.