Ridge Meadows RCMP are reporting two sightings of the missing Maple Ridge man with dementia.
RCMP said that Tjeerd ‘Ted’ Vanderveen, 72, who suffers from dementia, left his home in the 26500-block of 112th Avenue, at 10:45 a.m., Thursday, to go for a walk in the Ferguson Trails area, a location well-known to him.
“Yesterday, police had two sightings believed to be Ted, one around 1 p.m. and another around 3:30 p.m.,” Sgt. Amanda Harnett said Friday.
“These sightings were near his home, but west of his residence.”
Vanderveen left his wallet and phone at home and has not returned, which is out of character for him, police said.
Search teams from Maple Ridge, Coquitlam, Mission, Surrey and Abbotsford converged on to the Grant Hill area of Maple Ridge on Thursday and searched late into the night for a man suffering from dementia.
A police helicopter and dog services, as well as more than 40 search and rescue volunteers looked for him until 1 a.m. Friday.
“In addition, family, friends and neighbours are assisting in looking for Ted,” Harnett said.
Ted’s family states that he is not the type to ask for help and that even if someone approaches him he may not respond.
“Police will follow up every lead. If you think you have seen Ted call 911 immediately.”
Harnett said the search is continuing.
“Today, police and volunteers will be performing door knocks, going door-to-door, handing out information and ensuring the neighbourhood is aware of the search for Ted,” Harnett added.
Temperatures are expected to drop to -3 C tonight.
Teams will resume their searches for the man today, Ridge Meadows Search and Rescue said online.
Residents in the Whonnock area are also pitching in by checking their properties and driving around looking for the man.
Vanderveen is described as:
• elderly white man;
• slim build;
• short grey hair;
• wearing a turquoise coat, jeans, black boots, and a black tuque and black gloves.
He responds to the name Ted.
pmelnychuk@mapleridgenews.comLike us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter
