Mountain Man Robert Koersen Memorial Hike

Welcome to the inaugural Mountain Man Rob Koersen Memorial Hike. This hike was created in memory of Robert William Koersen, who was taken at the young age of 26, after struggling with mental health illness. The proceeds of this hike will go Foundary Kelowna operated by the Canadian Mental Health Association Kelowna in memory of Rob.

The hike will start at the Crawford lacrosse box located at the corner of Westridge Drive and Stewart Road West in Crawford Estates. The hike will then continue into Myra-Bellevue Provincial Park. The start time will be 08:00am. The hike is a moderate 6-kilometer hike through the beautiful park on mainly single track trails. At various points on the hike, the hikers will be able to enjoy views of the city of Kelowna and Okanagan Lake.

This is a “HIKE” so bring the following:
– appropriate foot wear (no flip flops or sandals allowed)
– backpack or water bottle belt with water and snacks (no water stations on course)
-camera
** please note there will not be a timing device as this is not a race.
** this hike is dog friendly – PLEASE FOLLOW PARK REGULATIONS (Dogs on leash and pick up after your dog)

For those unable to attend due to travel conflict, please email mtmanmemorialhike@shaw.ca for information on satellite hikes.

ABOUT ROBERT WILLIAM KOERSEN (June 8, 1991 – June 26, 2017)

Robert Koersen had an enriched life of travel, camping, sports, music and other hobbies (his favorite being computer gaming). After graduating from Okanagan Mission Secondary School in 2009, Robert enlisted with the Canadian Armed forces – Princess Patricia Canadian Light Infantry – being posted for three years in Shiloh, Manitoba. After returning to Kelowna, Robert obtained his EMR, which opened the opportunity to work for a patient transport service and then volunteer for the International Volunteers of Peshmerga.
Robert Koersen, given the Kurdish name Mountain Duhoki; volunteered with the International Volunteers of Peshmerga and volunteered his time to help the Kurdish people in their fight against daesh.
Robert selflessly made his way to the other side of the globe (Iraq) to provide training, mentoring and offensive support to the Peshmerga and Zerevani Kommando and helped to train over 300 Peshmerga soldiers to deliver medical aid on the frontlines with great success to which the Peshmerga and the Kurdish people are eternally grateful. On June 26, 2017 Rob lost his life to mental illness.