Luke Degerness turns 18 on Jan. 29 and his mom intends to celebrate his birthday even though he hasn't been seen by loved ones since June 7, 2007.
"I will be having a candlelight vigil for my missing son in the hopes that he comes home," Gina Degerness told The Citizen. "I will be providing candles and refreshments. Please bring any stories or photos that you would like to share."
She stressed that it would take place no matter what the weather, so dress for the forecast of the day. It would take place on the steps of the Prince George Courthouse (250 George Street) starting at 7 p.m.
Lucas, commonly known as Luke, had been in the PGSS principal's office for a meeting with his mother.
He was wearing a red baseball cap, blue jeans, white T-shirt, and black running shoes. He was also carrying a large camouflage backpack.
According to investigators with Missing Children Society of Canada, he had gotten into some trouble at school but a meeting with school officials that day had gone well and he apparently left the meeting in a good mood heading for his next class. He never arrived.
"It's just worrisome that not one friend, not one family member has heard from him. That's what worries me the most, I think," Gina said.
He has a long history of trouble, but nothing that would turn his family's back on him, Gina said. She has held vigils, and both the Missing Children Society and police have worked every lead they can think of to try locating him.
There was some suggestion he ran away to Edmonton, some speculation he got roped into a gang, this past summer the Prince George RCMP and the Missing Children Society worked together on a search of the Hudson's Bay Slough waters.
Still nothing more than speculation has emerged.
If Luke or anyone who knows something of Luke's fate can do so, contact Prince George RCMP at 250-561-3300 or (to remain anonymous) Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS / www.pgcrimestoppers.bc.ca.
