A Gofundme account has been set up to help the family of James Tahir, who was killed in a snowmobile accident on Lake Simcoe Feb. 16.
The Orillia man was one of two riders from a single snowmobile that plunged through the frigid, open waters of The Narrows at about 4:30 a.m. on the Sunday of the Family Day weekend. The other man was rescued.
Tahir, two months shy of his 36th birthday, is being remembered as a dedicated family man who always thought of others before himself.
His death is devastating to his wife, Sara Gileo, and “their two beautiful children, Sawyer, 2, and Madelyn, seven months,” notes the Gofundme appeal.
James and Sara had been together since they were 17 and were looking forward to celebrating 18 years as a couple this year.
“There are no words to describe how horrible this loss is to (his wife and kids), not to mention the rest of his friends and family,” wrote Julie Gileo.
“Any of us that knew James were so grateful to have him in our lives,” she said. “I have never known another person to have such a positive effect on everyone that he met.”
She said he had a “fun, energetic spirit (that) could lift you up no matter what mood you were in. He had a zest for life, was quick-witted, and could dream big,” she wrote.
Tahir had recently started his own business with his friend and was working hard to make sure it was successful.
Just days before his death, he hosted a charity event to help the homeless. He also had just lost his mom, Peggy, on Feb. 4 after a battle with A.L.S.
“Since his mother was diagnosed, he has been committed to raising awareness to help cure this horrible disease,” said Julie. “This is the type of person James was. Always thinking of others and honestly just wanting to make this world a better place.”
While many people have reached out to offer help, financial support is needed.
Sara is still on maternity leave and, unfortunately, the young family did not have life or mortgage insurance.
“Our goal is to try and alleviate some of the financial burdens she is now in so that she can focus solely on being the best mom to Sawyer and Madelyn,” said Julie.
“We know that James' wish would be for his family to have the least amount of disruption and to be able to stay in their family home that they had all created together,” she added.
The Gofundme account was just established yesterday. Already, more than $17,000 has been raised. The goal is $50,000.
Click here to donate and find out more information.
