Browse the obituary of residing in the province of Colombie britanique for funeral details
Roger McColm Obituary
Sadly, we announce the death of Roger Dale McColm.
Roger started life in New Richmond, Quebec in October 1955, the son of Orville and Kay McColm, and baby brother to Connie. His childhood adventures exploring the Baie de Chaleur’s waters, and the Gaspe Peninsula’s landscapes and riverways, inspired his love for nature and the outdoors.
Following his passion, Roger moved to Montreal in 1975 to study Recreation and Leisure at Concordia University. His first wife, Rhonda, joined him the next year, and soon gave birth to their son, Shawn – a moment he would describe to friends as the best in his life.
After graduating with honors in 77, Roger migrated westward to British Columbia, seeking a better living for himself and his family. He worked in construction and became a skilled journeyman carpenter, but the lure of outdoor adventure remained embedded in his heart and soul. His search for the perfect base for the outdoor pursuits he loved led him northward to Prince Rupert, and finally to Smithers; surrounded by mountains, lakes, and rivers.
Roger was guided by a core belief that being in nature made us better. He constantly developed his knowledge and skills to take people into the mountains and onto water, and teach them how to be in nature safely and with respect. He did not hoard his wealth of knowledge and experience – few things made him happier than sharing that knowhow with anyone that was interested (and sometimes with those that weren’t at first).
Roger was a teacher, in all that could mean. He was dedicated to being a better instructor. He took courses, he read books, he thought about the techniques he was using and how to be more effective. From children to seniors of all abilities, Roger loved to inch people along in their discovery of being outside.
Roger was a master instructor with the Recreational Canoeing Association of BC, a master trainer with Leave No Trace, and a long-time first aid instructor with the Red Cross, with a special love for wilderness first aid. He was an accomplished mountain man who taught avalanche awareness, winter survival, and bear awareness. He guided skiers on backcountry adventures and was unshakable in his love for telemark skiing. Anyone who skied with Roger heard the phase ‘free your heels, free your mind.”
Roger was well known as the heart of Northern Sun Tours for 30 years. The image of the sun rising over mountains and reflecting on water really captures the natural world he so cherished.
Roger is remembered with love by all of those that were touched by him in many courses, trips and spirited discussions.
A celebration of life will be held at the Old Church in Smithers on Oct 26, between 2-5 pm.
To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Roger Dale McColm, please visit our Tree Store.
2024
Schrader Funeral Home & Cremation Services
Death notice for the town of: Smithers, Province: Colombie britanique
death notice Roger Dale McColm 2024
obituaries notice Roger Dale McColm 2024
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Roger Dale McColm 2024 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
