Dennis Guay identified as 2nd victim in Gastown hotel fire

Vancouver police haveconfirmed the identity of thesecond person who died in a fire at a Gastown hotelin April as53-year-oldDennis Guay.

Police also confirmedMary Ann Garlow, 68, who was identified earlier by her family, as another victim of the fire.

The April 11 fire that destroyed much of the Winters Hotel on Abbott Street displaced more than 70 residents living in single-room occupancy (SRO) housing 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 foundduringthe hotel's demolition.

'We love him dearly'

Dennis Guay was first reported missing April26, more than two weeks following the fire.

On Wednesday his family released a statement about him,saying hegrew up in Dawson Creek, had a love for outdoor activities, including biking, riding motorcross, skiing, fishing, and camping.

"Dennis always saw the good in others. He was sweet and kind in nature and had a smile for everyone.He was very soft spoken," said the statement.

Guay's family said he studiedpiano with the Royal Conservatory of Music for several years, and thatmusic was his true passion, despite suffering from hearing loss. He also taught himself to play guitar.

"We love him dearly and he will be forever missed," said his family.

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

Guay's family thanked Vancouver police and Dawson Creek RCMP for their efforts intrying to locate Dennis. They also thanked Vancouver's Union Gospel Mission for supporting Guay over the years.

Still they have questions over how the tragedy occurred and its aftermath.

"For the sake of others, changes need to be made.Everyone needs and deserves to be safe and accounted for during emergencies. We. . . hope to see answers."

Officials said the fire was started accidentally by unattended candles in a second-floor suite. They also saidthe sprinkler system in the Winters Hotel was shut down and waiting to be serviced on April 11 due to another fire in the building a few days earlier.