Justice for Artchie Gairdner walk in Fort Nelson

FORT NELSON, B.C. — The family of Artchie Gairdner has organized a walk to bring attention to his unsolved murder and ensure he is not forgotten.

One of Gairdner’s nieces, who wished to stay anonymous for her protection, says the family wants to keep his memory alive after he was killed inside his home in April 2021.

“This is an ongoing investigation. There’s been no resolution for our family,” she said.

“We feel someone or somebody knows, and we just want every rumour to be taken seriously. We’re not going to go away.”

The walk will be held on Saturday, April 22nd, starting at the Friendship Centre at noon. Due to her uncle’s love of sports, particularly the Chicago Black Hawks hockey team, the family asks attendees to wear jerseys to show their support.

After the walk, the community is invited to a potluck to get together and remember Gairdner.

On April 24th, 2021, Gairdner’s body was found inside his home in Fort Nelson, and responding officers contacted the North District Major Crime Unit (NDMCU) after believing the death suspicious.

After an autopsy, the death of the 69-year-old was confirmed to be a homicide, though the cause of death was not released to the family or the public.

“The cause of death will not be released as investigators must strike a balance between protecting key details of the investigation and releasing information,” said Corporal Madonna Saunderson in a statement in 2021.

“This is done to protect the integrity of the investigation to ensure that this matter can be brought before the courts with the necessary evidence for a successful prosecution.”

Anyone with information on Gairdner’s death is asked to contact the Northern Rockies RCMP at 250-774-2700, or Crime Stoppers can be reached at 1-800-222-8477.