A man who was missing from East Sooke has been found deceased, and now an online fundraiser is seeking funds to support his family.
Anthony Balzer, 56, was reported missing on Wednesday, Nov. 15, after he was last seen leaving the area of Mount Matheson Road, according to Sooke RCMP.
Mounties, in an update Saturday evening, say Balzer was “located deceased,” and criminality is not believed to be a factor in his death.
“Sooke RCMP offers our sincerest condolences to the friends and family of the deceased,” RCMP said in a news release.
A GoFundMe campaign has since been launched for Balzer’s family, and by Sunday afternoon more than $16,000 of the $25,000 goal was raised from nearly 190 donors.
“It is with profound sadness that the family of Anthony announces he was found… They are processing the news of his loss and experiencing profound grief and shock at the moment,” reads the GoFundMe, which was created by Susan Ko and Marilyn Erickson.
“They are hoping that in lieu of a meal train and other wonderful ideas, contributions can be made to this GoFundMe,” they wrote.
“They are extremely thankful for the support of the community.”
Ko, in an update Saturday, says “once Balzer’s family is better positioned, they can determine how best to honour their beloved father and husband.”
The GoFundMe is here.
Ethan Morneau
