A man who's been missing since this fall was described as caring and generous as family members issued emotional pleas Friday for any information that could solve the mystery of his disappearance.
Maxwell Harvey Mayling, 51, has not been seen since October although his red 1995 four-door Ford Taurus was located in downtown Prince George. Police suspect foul play.
"We just want to know what's happened to Max, that's all we want to know," said Mayling's brother, Archer Pechawis, during a media event at the Prince George RCMP detachment.
Pechawis travelled from Toronto to participate. Mayling's mother, Kay, as well as a niece and a longtime friend also attended, coming from Grande Prairie, Prince Albert, and Vancouver.
Mayling, who moved to Prince George from the Fort St. John area in spring 2016, is known to police and is believed to be associated to the drug trade. But during the event, the father of an 18-year-old son and a 25-year-old daughter was described as a dedicated family man.
"The most important thing in Max's life is his children, he's absolutely dedicated to his kids, and really structures his life to be a good father to them, more than anything else," Pechawis said.
"Outside of his children, the only thing he cared about really was working hard and fishing and playing golf and listening to rock'n'roll. That's what he loved to do."
Mayling has a "wicked sense of humour" and someone who would be remembered by anyone who met him. He was also described as "incredibly generous."
"He would do anything for anyone," Pechawis said. "He was always happy to help strangers and I'm hoping some of those strangers will come forward."
The comments were much the same when niece Carson Pechawis and friend Carl Lehr spoke.
"As a mother, this is so unbelievable," Mayling's mother said as she fought back sobs. "I only have two sons, Archer and Max. Life's not worth living without either of them."
Prince George RCMP Supt. Warren Brown said it's been more than three months since Mayling's disappearance and no new tips or information has been received. He said it must weigh on the mind of anyone who may have information and asked those who do to find the courage to come forward.
"Let us, the police, make a determination on any information you may have, whether it's important or not," Brown said. "Give that to us and allow us to make that determination please."
"It must weigh on a person's mind if they have something or know information about Maxwell and the disappearance.
Family members said Mayling and his family had moved to Fort St. John in 1997 from Grande Prairie to pursue work in the oil patch. He came to Prince George for work as well, they said.
Mayling is described as First Nations, 175 cm (5'9) tall and weighing 82 kg (180 lbs) with brown eyes and salt and pepper hair. He wears glasses, RCMP added.
Anyone with information on Mayling's disappearance is asked to call Prince George RCMP at 250-561-3300 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
Tips can also be provided online at www.pgcrimestoppers.bc.ca, or by texting CRIMES using keyword "pgtips."
