Snowboarder who died at Big White identified, GoFundMe started to support COSAR

The 42-year-old Kelowna man who died while snowboarding in the Big White backcountry on Boxing Day has been identified as Ryan Fletcher.

Fletcher, a proud Okanagan resident who grew up in Kelowna, was identified by friends and family through social media and a GoFundMe started in his name.

Money raised by the fundraiser will not be going towards funeral expenses or his family, but rather Central Okanagan Search and Rescue, a cause Fletcher surely would have been thrilled about.

“Ryan lived for adventure and fun and he was known for his easy laid-back attitude and warm laugh,” explained the GoFundMe, organized by Katy Drago and Sonya Barker.

“Ryan loved outdoor adventure, his numerous hobbies included surfing, snowboarding, mountain biking, hiking, boating and wake surfing.”

Fletcher was an avid snowboarder his entire life and a season’s pass holder at Big White since the 1980s.

Drago and Barker said that Fletcher was not afraid to face the wild and enjoyed many heli-skiing and cat skiing trips with friends over the years.

Those who knew him have told NowMedia that the 42-year-old was an experienced backcountry skier and was always adequately prepared for those kinds of adventures.

“Ryan leaves behind his partner and love Grace, his mother Donna, his sister Michelle, and niece Mikaela, and many friends,” the GoFundMe added. “Ryan was easy to love and won’t ever be forgotten.”

If you would like to donate to the GoFundMe to support COSAR in Fletcher’s name, click this link.