Nearly 10 months after he went missing, officials have not given up on the search for Whistler senior Robert McKean.
The 80-year-old local man, who has dementia, went missing Oct. 9, 2023, while walking his dog.
The search consisted of more than 300 search-and-rescue members (from 21 different teams around the province), with help from police, firefighters, and civilians.
On Sunday, Oct. 15 at 1 p.m., after nearly a week of intensive searching, the mass effort was suspended “pending further investigation,” the RCMP said at the time.
According to the Whistler RCMP, signs were erected at strategic locations earlier this spring, including Rick’s Roost trailhead, Rainbow Reservoir, 19 Mile Creek Bridge and Rainbow Lake Trailhead.
“As well, a search with Whistler RCMP, Whistler SAR, and RCMP Police Dog Services was conducted on May 13 in an area identified by SAR that could yield evidence. The area was searched extensively but no evidence of Mr. McKean’s whereabouts was identified,” said Whistler RCMP Sgt. Sascha Banks.
“Searches began again by the RCMP as the snow melted and will continue to occur alongside Whistler SAR. We are requesting anyone in and around the area to keep an eye out and report any items located to the Whistler detachment.”
The investigation will remain active, Banks added.
Reserve Cst. Steve LeClair with the RCMP added “tremendous effort” has been put into the investigation to date.
“We have had extensive searching done by the Police Dog Service as well as RCMP members on foot in the terrain, drones, door-to-door searches and anything else we could think of,” LeClair said.
“Everyone wants Mr. McKean and his dog, Lexi, to be found so that the family can have some closure. To this end, we have erected several metal signs to remind people to keep their eyes open for any sign of him or his dog and to inform visitors that if they see something, they should contact the police. This investigation will remain active with any and all leads followed up until Robert is found.”
Whistler Search and Rescue president Brad Sills said the organization awaits “any new clues” that might direct a new search effort.
“We all hope to bring closure to the family soon,” Sills said.
McKean was last spotted the morning of Oct. 9 on a construction-site security camera situated at the top of Alpine Way.
He was wearing: medium blue size 7 New Balance running shoes; blue jeans; a green rain jacket over a blue Canucks jersey; and a tan ballcap with a blue brim.
He was walking his dog Lexi on a blue and white checkered leash attached to a blue harness.
Anyone with any information about McKean’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Sea to Sky Whistler RCMP detachment at (604) 932-3044 or Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or solvecrime.ca.
