An online fundraiser is underway to help loved ones of Squamish's beloved Chris McCrum, who died in an avalanche Jan. 3.
McCrum was with his life-partner Ellie Mulder and a group of friends on the last day of an annual backcountry trip near Pebble Creek when he was caught and killed in the avalanche.
The group was able to dig him out, but he had succumbed to his injuries.
The public celebration of life is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 23. Further details will be announced when they are finalized.
"Chris was a highly-respected member of the Squamish and Sea to Sky communities, forging relationships over the past several decades through his work, recreational activities, and ever-congenial personality. Chris gave so much to his family, friends, and community and we want to continue that spirit of generosity through this fundraiser," said McCrum family friend Kari Chambers in an online post.
"In Memory of Chris, for Ellie," is to help Mulder, his partner of seven years, complete her Registered Nursing designation when she is able to return to her studies, and stay financially stable during this difficult transition without McCrum, who was supporting her schooling when he died.
"Anyone who knew her and Chris together will attest to the strength of their partnership, the beauty of their love for each other, their ability to bring out the best in each other, and their incomprehensible ability to accomplish unique and creative projects all the while simultaneously serving you a warm cup of coffee and a slice of freshly baked bread with homemade jelly," reads the fundraising page for Mulder started by Adrienne Johnson.
"They were an unstoppable force of kindness and an inspiration both individually and together."
Search "Chris McCrum" at www.gofundme.com for the fundraiser.
A Facebook page, Chris Patrick McCrum Memorial, has also been started as a place for friends and those who knew McCrum to share their memories.
**Please note, this story has been modified since it was first posted to remove another fundraiser that was taken down from GoFundMe after this story was originally published.
