What’s the Latest: Family appeals for help finding missing Penticton senior with dementia
Lawrence “Jerry” McAnulty, a 72-year-old man living with dementia, was reported missing from Penticton after a wellness check at his apartment found no sign of him. He was last seen on security video in the lobby of his apartment building on the morning of October 23.
Police confirmed that Lawrence “Jerry” McAnulty was seen on security video in his apartment building’s lobby on the morning of October 23. Family members and Central Okanagan Search and Rescue (COSAR) personnel are actively searching the downtown Penticton area, with officials noting that seniors with dementia can travel significant distances quickly.
Penticton RCMP are urging anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of 72-year-old Lawrence “Jerry” McAnulty to come forward, as his family continues to search for him. Central Okanagan Search and Rescue (COSAR) has highlighted the significance of regular check-ins and tracking devices for seniors with dementia, particularly as colder weather approaches.
What remains unclear — It is unknown where Lawrence Jerry McAnulty was headed after he was last seen in the lobby of his apartment building on October 23.
Family seeks public assistance to locate missing Penticton man with dementia
A woman from Penticton is urgently seeking assistance in locating her missing father, 72-year-old Lawrence “Jerry” McAnulty, who suffers from dementia. Carmen Gee expressed her distress, saying, “Check your cameras, check your sheds, just please keep eyes out everywhere.” McAnulty was last seen on security footage at his apartment building on the morning of 23 October.
Gee reported receiving a text from her father the following day, but subsequent attempts to contact him were unsuccessful. Following a wellness check that revealed no signs of McAnulty, he was officially reported missing. Gee noted the family’s efforts to search downtown Penticton, where he frequently walks, as they distribute posters and engage with local business owners about his whereabouts.
Officials from Central Okanagan Search and Rescue (COSAR) highlighted that incidents involving missing seniors with dementia are not uncommon, stating they typically receive 10 to 15 calls each year for similar situations. “We had one subject leave Cottonwoods and was found in McKinley Landing, almost 18 kilometres away,” said Ed Henczel, COSAR’s search manager. He described those with dementia as akin to toddlers, capable of moving quickly.
Gee is appealing for assistance beyond the city limits, suggesting that her father might head towards Oyama in Lake Country or Vernon due to his connections there. Henczel underscored the importance of regular check-ins and tracking devices, particularly as colder weather approaches. “If you could, you know, put on an AirTag on a piece of clothing or something or buy grandpa an iPhone that you can track,” Henczel advised.
Penticton RCMP describe McAnulty as having white hair and a beard, and he may be wearing a blue toque. They urge anyone with potential sightings or information to contact them, while Gee also invites direct communication at 250-551-7551.