John Phare

The sunshine coast lost a hero last Sunday when 60-year-old John Phare of Roberts creek was struck by a falling tree and killed while helping battle the forest fire at the Old Sechelt Mine site.

According to a witness, the experienced faller had cut down a danger tree on a portion of the fire site that had been substantially extinguished when a second tree came down on top of him.

"There were a lot of coals and hot spots and he had to fall this one big fir and he felled that, and then this other tree came down behind it. But with all the noise and helicopters, he didn't hear anything and it hit him," said Phare's older brother, Lonnie, who was working at another part of the forest fire when the accident happened.

John Phare awarded first Medal of Good Citizenship

Local hero John Phare was recognized for his bravery and dedication to the Sunshine Coast community on Tuesday Oct. 6 as the first recipient of the Medal of Good Citizenship.

Phare lost his life fighting the Old Sechelt Mine Fire that threatened coastal residents early last summer. The award was presented to Phare’s fiancée Kimiko Hawkes by B.C. Premier Christy Clark.

“John Phare died protecting the lives of his friends, neighbours and family,” Clark said. “We can’t ease the pain of everyone who loves and misses him, but we can recognize his courage and sacrifice. I can’t think of a more deserving recipient of the first Medal of Good Citizenship.”

After the ceremony, Hawkes said she was “very moved thinking of John” and honoured to receive the award on his behalf.

“I was told it was the Minister of Forests, Hon. Steve Thomson, who nominated John. The medal is in recognition of his generosity, service, and acts of selflessness in the community,” Hawkes said.

“I think it is wonderful that John is being recognized – he was a pillar in the community and he deserves to be recognized and remembered in this way. I hope this inspires others to follow John’s example and make a positive difference in this place we call home,” she added.

Phare was born in Davis Bay on Nov. 18, 1954. He died after he was struck by a falling tree while fighting the Old Sechelt Mine fire on July 5. He was 60 years old.

The Medal of Good Citizenship was introduced this year by the B.C. government. The medal recognizes individuals who have acted in a particularly generous, kind or selfless manner for the common good without expectation of reward.

Any resident of B.C. is eligible for the medal, except for sitting members of Parliament, the Legislature or members of the judiciary who still hold office.

Phare was selected first out of all candidates, but a selection committee – chaired by Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training Shirley Bond – is still reviewing further recipient nominations.

Kimiko Hawkes accepted the Medal of Good Citizenship from Premier Christy Clark. The medal was awarded to her late fiancé posthumously by the Lieutenant Governor.

Jacob Roberts - Staff Writer Coast Reporter