‘The very best in humanity’: Cypress Creek drowning victim identified by West Vancouver mayor

The man who tragically drowned trying to rescue his dog over the weekend has been identified.

In a statement, District of West Vancouver Mayor Mark Sager says Keen Lau was trying to rescue his Labrador who had gotten swept into Cypress Creek when he was caught in the current.

“It is with profound sadness that I write with regard to the passing of my dear friend,” the statement reads. “Keen was a truly exceptional individual. Deeply committed to our community.”

Sager says the pair shared a common interest in cycling and skiing, and adds Lau was also “deeply passionate about the mountains.”

“Keen was universally loved by everyone who was fortunate enough to know him. He was a truly kind, devoted, and highly empathetic individual. Keen was also an extremely competent and capable athlete,” the statement reads.

Sager also speaks of a time when Lau experienced a “horrendous biking accident” over a decade ago, and his perseverance throughout his recovery.

“This terrible setback did not deter Keen’s passion for sports and adventure. He rebuilt his psychological and physical strength on his bike and on the mountain. He used his profound understanding of psychological and physical pain to assist and enrich the lives of others, and most importantly his father, Laurence, who passed away in 2022,” Sager said.

He adds that Lau was recently married, and is also survived by his mother and brother.

“My heart goes out to these people who will especially feel this untimely loss of a truly kind and wonderful son, brother and husband forever,” the statement reads.

“Our community of West Vancouver has lost a very special person who never uttered an unkind word to or about anyone. He saw the very best in humanity.”