Justin Bosher (middle) between his two sons. (Photo submitted)
UPDATE: 11:30 a.m.
The Kamloops man killed in a motorcycle accident near Paul Lake on Wednesday has been identified as well-known lacrosse coach Justin Bosher.
Bosher had been a head coach of the Thompson-Okanagan Selects U18 lacrosse team. The 54-year-old was previously a head coach of the Kamloops Venom Junior lacrosse team.
A career transport truck driver, he was also the bus driver for the Kelowna Rockets and used to drive the Kamloops Blazers’ team bus from 2015 to 2018.
“The Rockets organization has suffered a great loss of an unbelievable friend and family man in Justin, or as we called him, JB,” Rockets head coach Kris Mallette said.
“This is a terrible loss for all of those who knew him, he was a fantastic human being. He treated our staff and players like his own family, he drove us safely every time he got behind the wheel. There was never a worry in our minds, he was someone that we knew wherever we were going, we were getting there safely. He won’t be easily replaced.”
The fatal accident happened on Pinantan-Pritchard Road yesterday. Tk’umlúps Rural RCMP members came upon the crash scene at about 3:30 p.m. while responding to another call.
It is unclear exactly when, or how, the crash happened, and it’s believed there weren’t any witnesses.
“We’re heartbroken,” Rockets president and general manager Bruce Hamilton said. “We’ve lost a wonderful member of the Rockets family, our love and condolences go out to his wife, Joanne, and his sons, Josh and Jeremy.”
The Kamloops Blazers issued a statement today, saying Bosher always had safety top of mind while he was behind the wheel. “We would like to extend our condolences to his family, the lacrosse community and the Kelowna Rockets.”
Kamloops-North Thompson MLA Peter Milobar said Bosher’s passing is a huge loss for the Kamloops sports family.
“Justin was one of those coaches that just connected with his players and they always knew he had their back thru thick and thin,” Milobar wrote. “Deepest condolences to his family.”
I’m sad to report this… sources confirm #Kamloops lacrosse coach Justin Bosher (middle), died in a motorcycle accident yesterday. Also drives the Kelowna Rockets bus, former Blazer bus driver. He loved his family and was so proud of his two sons Jeremy and Josh. RIP “big man” pic.twitter.com/aHtYHMRzNO
— Jon Keen (@JonKeenNLSports) August 26, 2021
