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Still no answers in 1989 disappearance of B.C. family

Prince George RCMP continue to look for Ronald, Doreen, Russel and Ryan Jack who went missing in August of 1989.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED / RCMP

PRINCE GEORGE - It was more than 30 years ago when Ronald “Ronnie” Jack called his mother and left Prince George behind.

That phone call, at 1:21 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 2, 1989, was the last time anyone heard from Jack, his wife Doreen, his nine-year-old son Russel and four-year-old Ryan. It is believed the Jack family left their Strathcona Avenue home and got into a pickup truck with an unknown man. They have never been seen since.

The Jack family was reported missing on Aug. 25, 1989. They were expected to return from their 10-day trip on Aug. 12.

Members of the Prince George RCMP Serious Crime Unit searched a property on the Saik’uz First Nation south of Vanderhoof from Wednesday, Aug. 28 to Friday, Aug. 30. Expert civilian consultants, Saik’uz Council and Elders, ground-penetrating radar and heavy equipment were called in, but no evidence of the family was uncovered.

“Our Council and Community would like to thank the Serious Crime Unit from the Prince George Detachment for working with us to make sure that all leads and avenues were investigated into the disappearance of the Jack family,” Chief Priscilla Mueller of the Saik’uz First Nation said in an RCMP media release. “Our community will continue to offer support for those who are affected by this tragedy and will also stay in close contact with Marlene Jack to support her in her search for answers. Our community sends our love and prayers to the Jack family in obtaining closure."

According to the police, Ronnie spoke to a man at the First Litre Pub Aug. 1, 1989. Both Ronnie and Doreen were offered jobs at a logging camp or ranch thought to be approximately 40 kilometres west of Prince George or about halfway to Vanderhoof on Highway 16. The unknown man offered to drive the family to the camp or ranch, as the Jacks did not own a vehicle. He took Ronnie back to the Jack residence, about four blocks from the pub, and waited while they packed.

Sketches of the suspect as described by witnesses in 1989 and 1990.
Sketches of the suspect as described by witnesses in 1989 and 1990.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED / RCMP

Ronnie called his brother in Southbank at 11:16 p.m. before calling his parents in Burns Lake at 1:21 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 2. At approximately 1:30 a.m., the Jacks left with the unknown man – a 35- to 40-year old Caucasian man standing between six and six-foot-six and weighing between 200 and 275 pounds with reddish-brown hair and a full-beard — in a dark-coloured four-wheel-drive pickup truck. The man wore a baseball cap, a red-checkered work shirt, faded blue jeans, a blue nylon jacket and work boots with leather fringes over the toes.

The investigation into their disappearance continues.

“I want to thank everyone who helped with the search for their support, even though there was nothing found,” Marlene Jack, Doreen’s sister and spokesperson for the family said in the RCMP media release. “I would like to ask from the bottom of my heart that everyone with information come forward to the police. Please help bring our family home.”

Anyone with information about the Jack family or who is responsible for their disappearance is asked to contact Prince George RCMP at 250-561-3300. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.pgcrimestoppers.bc.ca. You do not have to reveal your identity to Crime Stoppers. If you provide information that leads to an arrest or the location of the family, you could be eligible for a cash reward.

Approximately 60 banker boxes full of documents were obtained or created during this investigation.
Approximately 60 banker boxes full of documents were obtained or created during this investigation.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED / RCMP

To contact a reporter for this story, email Parker Crook or call (250) 864-7494 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

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