PHOTOS: Firefighter Zack Muise memorialized at Penticton waterfront ceremony

Penticton paid tribute to a fallen Okanagan hero early Wednesday afternoon.

Just 12 days ago on the 29th of July, 25-year-old firefighter Zack Muise of Kelowna lost his life while battling the monstrous Donnie Creek wildfire in northeastern BC.

And Tuesday the City of Penticton announced Muise would be memorialized with a procession and service along South Beach Road and the waterfront multi-use pathway at Skaha Lake Beach.

It was a glorious send-off.

The procession formed at approximately 1 pm in the small parking lot at South Beach Drive and moved slowly along the boardwalk, between the grassy park area and the sandy beach, until it reached the Park's gazebo where the service was held.

Perhaps a couple hundred firefighters, wildfire ground crews and associated service personnel took part, as well as several dozen folks dressed in civilian clothing that included family members.

Behind all those people came several firefighting vehicles owned and operated by Big Cat Wildfire of Summerland. Muise was working for Big Cat when the incident unfolded.

At the gazebo, Penticton mayor Julius Bloomfield took the first turn at the podium, his voice cracking when he broached the subject of losing a son.

He introduced Big Cat Wildfire owner Mike Smesman, who read aloud a particularly touching firefighter's poem that ended with the line "Why would you not answer that call and be willing to sacrifice it all?"

He then spoke candidly to the crowd.

"Zack lived his life for this calling," he said., "As I spoke with his dad Tim yesterday, he told me about his many conversations with Zack.

"He spoke of how he was proud to be working on the Donnie Creek fire and the relationships and bonds he was building with his fellow firefighters, and that that is where he wanted to be. He was doing what he loved."

Then Smesman turned more personal.

"I've never met an individual that had so much passion for life," he said of Muise. "Zack loved outdoors and nature. He loved to play golf. Zack had a heart made of pure gold. He was always there to lend a hand and his smile would always electrify a room."

Muise family representative and 40-year police officer Paul Kraunic then took the mic and managed to convey all that needed conveying over the next quarter hour or so, while at the same time throwing in the odd lighthearted moment.

Then Sessman took the mic for one last time. And very few were left with dry eyes.

"Dispatch, this is Big Cat 1," he said. "Last call for firefighter Zack Muise, Big Cat Bravo 20."

The reply came back: "Thank you for your service, Big Cat Bravo 20."