Adams Lake drowning victim saved grandson after boat capsized
KAMLOOPS – Michael Treseng died doing what he loved most at Adams Lake, spending time with his family camping and fishing.
His wife, Debby Carr, said he was always teaching his grandchildren gardening and fishing once the 56-year-old Clearwater man retired from a life’s work with Canadian National Railway.
“He was probably the biggest-hearted man you’ll ever meet,” she says.
But last weekend’s camping trip was unlike the others. He and his grandson Jesse, 22, went on a midnight boat ride on the lake near Chase Saturday May 2, but the boat capsized.
"They got out there and I don’t even know how they tipped the boat. They weren’t goofing around,” Carr says.
RCMP said a combination of wind and waves tipped the boat.
Jesse tried helping his grandfather swim to shore, but Treseng knew they both wouldn’t make it, Carr says. Treseng told him to swim to shore without him.
“He wanted to save Jesse, (who) barely made it,” Carr says.
Jesse ran to get help from another family member who was asleep. At first the relative thought it was a prank, but when the two returned to the shoreline, Treseng was gone.
Shuswap Search and Rescue spent the rest of the day searching for Treseng. An RCMP dive team located him on Sunday morning.
“We were hoping he would make it to shore,” Carr says.
She says that was just who he was—the kind of man who would put others before himself.
“He was the best grampa to his kids. The love of my life. The friend of my life,” Carr says.
To contact a reporter for this story, email Glynn Brothen at gbrothen@infonews.ca, or call 250-319-7494. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.
— This story was edited for clarity at 3 p.m.
21 responses
-
-
-
-
Old school friend of Michaels , So sorry for your loss. Cherish your memories hold them close to your heart they will help in the days ahead………
-
I’m so sorry for your loss Helen…losing loved ones is always painful but just know that god has a plan for all of us…he calls us in his own way & in his own time…Michael will now realize Gods rewards…love to you & your family…
-
our love and condolences to you and your family Yvonne. Life seems unfair sometimes and you have certainly had your share of unfairness.
-
-
-
-
-
-
Michael, my little brother- if only we could see the future!! The past has so many good memories that I will “remember” till the day we meet again… So sad for our families & friends that you left behind not to have you with us anymore.. You were one of a kind in your special way…you are being missed xox
-
-
Very good man, with a very good heart! Youll be deeply missed by all! Rest Easy Grandpa Mike!
-
My condolences and healing wishes to the entire Treseng family.He sounds like a very good man!
-
-
so sorry for your lost Debby, hugs , and he will allwas be with you and the grandbabies. In your heart for ever. hugs to all.
-
R.I.P Michael, haven’t seen you since we were kids but losing you has a profound effect on me. Years ago our families seemed to be one. We grow up and grow apart but we never forget family.
-
-
-
he was a loving caring man and will be missed by all family and friends his spirit will always be with us all may he rest in peace.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.