Jim was a close childhood friend of mine, living just a block from me. We were in the same cub-scout troop, built many a tree-fort and cut many a trail through the old (Arbutus center) "bush", and went through all twelve grades together. He was an ace powder-hound skier, and passed away during a ski trip not long after grad, when he became separated from friends and ended up in a deep snowy gully (at Whistler I believe). Hypothermia and exhaustion claimed him before rescuers could arrive. I've worked in field forestry and instructed in safety programs since 1976 and I think of him nearly every time I venture into deep winter drifts in creek canyons and when I'm walking out of the woods in the last of a winter day's light, taking extra care in Jim's memory.
Many of our grad class came out for the memorial service that year (late 74? or 75?) and showed great support for the Durno family. I'm not sure if his sister Debbie and brother Greg are still in the Vancouver area.
Wish I could have been there on that mountain with what I know now, in his time of need...
Jim hung out with my brother Peter, and I had a huge crush on him (gr 5 ) for years.. needless to say, he didn't know I existed.. lol.. years go by and we grow and become great friends... Jim drove me home Dec 14,1974 the night before I left on a flight to Europe for 1 yr.. and I chased a letter around England of news, only to say of his death.. I cried so hard... I still see him today.. and always think of his family too... Still got that crush.. Lynn
Glen Esdale
Jim was a close childhood friend of mine, living just a block from me. We were in the same cub-scout troop, built many a tree-fort and cut many a trail through the old (Arbutus center) "bush", and went through all twelve grades together. He was an ace powder-hound skier, and passed away during a ski trip not long after grad, when he became separated from friends and ended up in a deep snowy gully (at Whistler I believe). Hypothermia and exhaustion claimed him before rescuers could arrive. I've worked in field forestry and instructed in safety programs since 1976 and I think of him nearly every time I venture into deep winter drifts in creek canyons and when I'm walking out of the woods in the last of a winter day's light, taking extra care in Jim's memory.Many of our grad class came out for the memorial service that year (late 74? or 75?) and showed great support for the Durno family. I'm not sure if his sister Debbie and brother Greg are still in the Vancouver area.
Wish I could have been there on that mountain with what I know now, in his time of need...
Glen Esdale
Lynn Osborne (Dowhaniuk)
Jim hung out with my brother Peter, and I had a huge crush on him (gr 5 ) for years.. needless to say, he didn't know I existed.. lol.. years go by and we grow and become great friends... Jim drove me home Dec 14,1974 the night before I left on a flight to Europe for 1 yr.. and I chased a letter around England of news, only to say of his death.. I cried so hard... I still see him today.. and always think of his family too...Still got that crush..
Lynn