Dennis Guay has been identified as the second victim of a fire at a hotel in Gastown

Vancouver police have confirmed the identity of the second man killed in a fire at a hotel in Gastown in April as Denis Guay, 53.

Police also confirmed that Mary Ann Garlow, 68, who was previously identified by her family as another victim of the fire.

The April 11 fire, which destroyed much of the Winters Hotel on Abbott Street, displaced more than 70 residents living in single-room apartments (SROs) on the upper floors of the hotel.

Five people were taken to hospital.

Vancouver fire and rescue services said the following week that two bodies had been found during the demolition of the hotel.

Dennis Guay with his sister and two of her children (Photo by Nicole Muchi)

“We love him very much”

Dennis Guay was first reported missing on April 26, more than two weeks after the fire.

On Wednesday, his family issued a statement saying he grew up in Dawson Creek and enjoyed outdoor activities, including cycling, motocross, skiing, fishing and camping.

“Dennis always saw the good in others. He was sweet and kind by nature and smiled at everyone. He was very soft,” the statement said.

Guay’s family said he had studied piano at the Royal Conservatory of Music for several years and that music was his true passion, even though he suffered from hearing loss. He also learned to play the guitar himself.

Guay, who learned how to play the guitar himself, enjoyed spending hours playing all kinds of music, including classical rock. (Photo sent by Nicole Muchi)

“We love him very much and we will miss him forever,” said his family.

According to his family, Guay graduated from BCIT and was very knowledgeable in the field of mapping and mechanical design.

The Guay family thanked Vancouver police and Dawson Creek’s RCMP for their efforts to find Dennis. They also thanked the Union Gospel Mission in Vancouver for supporting Guay over the years.

However, they have questions about how the tragedy happened and its consequences.

“Change must be made on behalf of others. Everyone needs and deserves to be safe and accountable during emergencies. We … hope to see answers.”

Authorities said the fire started accidentally from unattended candles in a second-floor apartment. They also said the sprinkler system at the Winters Hotel had been shut down and was awaiting service on April 11 due to another building fire a few days earlier.