Nearly one year after Willem Rennie’s disappearance from the Comox Valley, his family now has closure.
Comox Valley RCMP has confirmed the body of a man who was missing since April 19, 2016 was found April 2.
Although the RCMP did not provide a name, the Rennie family has confirmed it was Willem’s body that was recovered.
Const. Rob Gardner noted in a statement the cause of death is not considered suspicious at this time, and the BC Coroner Service is involved in the investigation.
One year ago, Rennie’s family issued an emotional plea for any information relating to his disappearance.
The 24-year-old father was supposed to meet a friend at the Comox Valley Exhibition Grounds off Headquarters Road in Courtenay but the friend was late and when she arrived, Rennie was not there.
His vehicle was located April 22, 2016 at the fairgrounds, and Comox Valley Ground Search and Rescue efforts did not turn up any indication of his whereabouts.
“We are so very sad that Willem has been found but so relieved to finally have closure,” said Willem’s mother, Andrea Rennie, in a written statement to The Record.
“It’s been a long hard year of feeling and thoughts of unimaginable grief and despair that went into all different directions. At the same time, we had tiny ideas of hope against all odds that Will, this unique young man who was so full of love, may just return one day, and we would hug and laugh and talk again.”
She added the family is grateful to the individuals who found Rennie, Comox Valley RCMP, Comox Valley Ground Search and Rescue, and to the Comox Valley Hospice Society for their support.
“And to all those who have shared Willem’s story through all forms of media, who held him in their hearts and us in their arms, thank you; we are eternally grateful.”
A celebration of life for Willem Rennie will be held later this summer.