It is with tremendous sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of long time team member, Mike Dal Santo. Mike was born on October 23, 1952 in Surrey, BC, and while working for Telus as a software developer, joined North Shore Rescue as a active field member in 2000. In his long service with our organization, in addition to heading out into the mountains to save lives, Mike sat on a number of important committees, maintained our organizations critical equipment (including keeping our numerous AED’s and defibrillators operational), and was a key member of our organizations trail marking program. It is hard to put into words the magnitude of Mike’s service.
To say that Mike was integral to North Shore Rescue would be an understatement. In remembering Mike’s contribution, the most fitting title for this wonderful human being would be North Shore Rescue’s Silent Hero. That is, Mike preferred to work in the background, without overt recognition, supporting both the organization and his fellow members.
This, however, does not mean that his significant contributions were not recognized by his peers and experienced by those we serve. In addition to his role as an active field member, as previously mentioned, he took on substantial projects that allowed the team to operate at the professional level we do. These projects spanned the operational, administrative, and prevention roles that are essential for NSR’s mandate. His contribution has been monumental.
Mike will be missed for his unwavering passion, his inherently caring nature, and the tremendous friend that he was to his fellow members. He was truly a professional rescuer that dedicated his life to the service of others. He will be sorely missed by his family, his friends, his teammates and the community that he served.