A Kitimat man who has spent more than 30 years ensuring the safety of mariners has been named the recipient of the 12th annual Tim Jones Award.
Duncan Peacock, a longtime member of Kitimat Marine Search and Rescue and RCMSAR Unit 63, was recognized at the Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival (VIMFF) for his unwavering dedication to marine safety. The award, presented by VIMFF and North Shore Rescue, honours individuals who have made exceptional contributions to outdoor safety and rescue efforts in British Columbia.
“Duncan embodies the spirit of the Tim Jones Award—humble, passionate, and deeply committed to serving others. He represents exactly the kind of person Tim was passionate about bringing onto North Shore Rescue: a jack-of-all-trades with the drive to excel while lifting up those around him,” said jury member Mike Danks.
Peacock has been a key figure in marine search and rescue operations in Kitimat for 31 years, making him one of the longest-serving members in the province. His contributions span every aspect of the organization—not only as a coxswain leading rescue missions but also as a mechanic keeping vessels operational, a grant writer securing essential funding, a trainer mentoring new volunteers, and a dedicated organizer of community events, including the Canada Day parade.
Jury member Richard Walton said Peacock’s longevity and range of contributions made him stand out among this year’s nominees.
“There are many dedicated folks in BC who spend countless hours working for the safety and betterment of all. But it is the length of time and breadth of Duncan Peacock's contributions and leadership that place him in a special group. His leadership is quiet, but his commitment to marine safety is lifelong and passionate,” Walton said.
Since records have been kept, Peacock has responded to more than 120 missions and contributed over 4,300 hours to training. His dedication has ensured that countless individuals have returned home safely, and his leadership has been a cornerstone of his team’s success.
The award was presented to Peacock by last year’s recipient, Ellie Lamb, at the Steep and Deep Show at the Centennial Theatre in North Vancouver on March 3. To mark the occasion, RCMSAR Station 63 in Kitimat pooled funds to send Peacock and his wife, Sue, to North Vancouver for a well-earned weekend away. As part of the visit, they were welcomed at RCMSAR Station 2 for a tour and a boat ride.
The Tim Jones Award was established in 2014 in memory of Tim Jones, a paramedic and chief of North Shore Rescue for more than 24 years. It is awarded annually to a community member who has made an outstanding contribution to BC’s sport and outdoor community. The award serves as a tribute to Jones’s legacy, inspiring others to selflessly help and support their communities.
