It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of BCWF Vice President, Rick Mayor.
Rick’s brief but courageous battle with cancer came to an end on Feb. 25, 2014 at 9:20pm MST, with his wife Ila by his side. He was 58 years old.
Rick’s passion and exemplary commitment to the conservation of BC’s fish, wildlife & habitat through his many years of service to the BCWF is to be commended. Rick held the position of President, BCWF Region 7B from 2004 to 2006, and then became an elected Director of BCWF from 2007 to 2011. He was elected Vice President of the Federation in 2012, a position he has held since then.
In whatever capacity Rick held with the BCWF, he was always a persistent advocate of science-based wildlife management. He was also extremely dedicated to the Federation and his work with us, spending countless hours attending stakeholder meetings and diligently researching wildlife issues affecting both his region & the province and was very good at holding governments accountable to their policies. Rick also strongly believed in collaboration and proved in all facets of his work and life that collectively we can accomplish so much more than individually on our own.
Among other things, Rick was instrumental in supporting the efforts of the Peace Agricultural Zone’s Wildlife Management initiatives through BCWF’s Wildlife/Human Conflicts Committee and the Outdoor Passport Program. Furthermore, he played a key role in the establishment of the Wildlife Advisory Committee to the Treaty 8 negotiations, to ensure a balanced approach.
Rick also took a keen interest in the BCWF provincial office operations and provided invaluable support through his assistance at outreach events, participation in HR interview panels and providing occasional handyman service around the office. Rick’s support and mentorship of the Federation staff was outstanding. He would participate in occasional staff meetings to provide praise and encouragement, he lined up staff B-B-Q’s in the warehouse and even coordinated a day of shooting for staff at the Ridgedale Rod & Gun Club.
One of Rick’s favourite sayings was “it’s important to be seen to be doing good things” and Rick lived this mantra in all aspects of his life. Besides his passion for conservation, Rick was also a huge community supporter. Among other things, he helped organize his Club’s annual Clay Bird Charity Fundraiser for the Dawson Creek Hospital Foundation. Since its inception, the clay bird shoot has raised well over $60,000 to purchase much needed equipment for the local hospital. Rick was also instrumental in the success of the annual Dawson Creek Gun & Sportsmen’s Show. This year’s 37th annual event is the largest of its kind in the Peace Region and attracts outdoor enthusiasts from throughout BC and Alberta.
Whether through community or conservation, Rick’s legacy of leadership, dedication, generosity and collaboration has set a direction for us all to ensure a sustainable future for BC’s fish, wildlife and habitat. Our job is to ensure his legacy continues.
Rick’s hearty laughter, quick wit, strategic foresight and compassionate heart will be greatly missed by the entire BCWF family. We are all so fortunate to have had the opportunity to know Rick and to have experienced his unwavering passion for conservation.
At the request of the family, there will be no service.