Stranger rescues 90-year-old man with dementia from wildfire

As wildfire flames rapidly advanced on Desert Cove in Okanagan, Canada, 90-year-old John Belleville, who lives with dementia, remained at his home. His daughter, Shiloh, residing in Vancouver, realized her father had not evacuated and began urgently seeking help.

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He was a little reluctant. He told me he had to go to bed. I said, ‘John, no, there is a fire.’

One of Shiloh's calls reached Bob Tutush, a stranger who agreed to assist. Tutush drove to John's residence, where he patiently gained the elderly man's trust before convincing him to leave. With visible flames nearby, they safely departed and headed to the Kal Tire evacuation reception center, hoping to find accommodation for John.

Upon arrival at the reception center, Tutush and John were informed that no accommodations were available. Fortunately, an old family friend provided John with a place to stay for the night, though it was a temporary solution. As Shiloh could not travel to the Okanagan herself, Tutush made an extraordinary offer the following morning.

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I ended up getting to the driveway, showing him the fire. We ended up getting his bag and into my truck.

Tutush then drove John nearly 400 kilometers to Vancouver, ensuring his reunion with his daughter. The long journey involved quiet moments and conversation, including a humorous attempt at sharing beef jerky. For Shiloh, Tutush transformed from a stranger into a crucial figure who guided her family through a terrifying ordeal. What began as a desperate search during a wildfire evacuation culminated in an emotional family reunion and the beginning of an unexpected friendship. John is now safe with his daughter, and Tutush is remembered not just as a rescuer, but as someone the Belleville family will never forget.

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When we got to the end of the lineup we were told there was no place for him to stay.