Plans underway to memorialize Ryan Shtuka

THE 20-YEAR-OLD FROM ALBERTA VANISHED FROM SUN PEAKS FIVE YEARS AGO

BREANNE MASSEY STAFF REPORTER breanne@kamloopsthisweek.com

In an effort to commemorate the memory of Ryan Shtuka, a family friend recently started an online petition to name a ski run at Sun Peaks after him.

However, the family and the ski resort are already discussing another way in which to memorialize the missing man.

Nearly five years ago, Ryan Shtuka vanished in Sun Peaks after attending a house party on Burfield Drive. The 20-year-old Beaumont, Alta., man disappeared in the early-morning hours of Feb. 17, 2018. Mounties have not ruled out foul play, but have not reported finding any - thing suspicious and Ryan’s disappearance remains a mystery.

According to mom Heather Shtuka, the virtual petition came to the family’s attention after it had been circulated online. She said the family was happy to see community support for their son.

Heather said the family is heartened to know there are so many supportive and engaged members that surround them and want to continue to spread her son’s story.

“For me, as much as I’d like to see that run for Ryan, they’re going down [the hill] so quickly that it doesn’t really create that awareness,” Heather said. “We want something that actually tells the story about Ryan and has a different impact if that makes sense.”

Family friend London Cramer started the petition, which has gathered more than 2,600 signatures on change.org to date.

Online, Cramer wrote that Shtuka loved to snowboard and wanted to get in as much as he could the winter he went missing.

“Ryan is a truly amazing person and I believe he deserves his legacy to continue,” Cramer wrote.

Heather told KTW she contacted Cramer to let her know that Ryan’s family has plans with the resort to memorialize him, with discussions continuing.

Heather lauded Cramer for her efforts to see Ryan memorialized, regardless.

“I think it came from a very great place in her heart,” she said.

Heather said she is eager to see Sun Peaks announce the project when details have been finalized, but asked that the community remain kind and supportive to Cramer and her ongoing petition efforts online.

“Sun Peaks Resort continues to work with Ryan’s family on a variety of initiatives and these efforts will continue,” Aidan Kelly, Sun Peaks Resort’s chief marketing officer, told KTW via email.

“For a number of months now, we have been discussing a project to recognize Ryan in Sun Peaks. We look forward to finalizing plans in conjunction with the family for something meaningful and respectful on the mountain. We appreciate the efforts of our guests and community to tell Ryan’s story.”