The victim in Tuesday’s house fatal fire has been identified as former Columbian reporter and community activist Brian Willoughby, his family confirmed Wednesday.
Willoughby was found dead inside his Vancouver house Tuesday evening by firefighters responding to a blaze at the residence.
Willoughby, 56, worked at the paper from 1990 to 2002. He went on to champion a variety of good causes, including children’s mental health, tolerance of diversity and housing the homeless. He was most recently the director of community benefit at Legacy Health.
The Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office is investigating the cause and manner of death.
A candlelight memorial gathering has been scheduled for 6:30 p.m. today at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Vancouver, 4505 E 18th St.
Kathy Deschner, a fellow community activist, wrote on Facebook that Willoughby was “the reporter who wrote the heart of the story brilliantly, and faced tough topics head on … the incredible and devoted dad through the best and most difficult times; the admired community leader who had a hard time saying no when anyone needed help; the courageous advocate for those who needed a voice; the loving friend we were so blessed to have; the living breathing example of compassion.”
“We are in a state of shock,” said Matthew Butte, development director for Children’s Center, a homegrown Vancouver nonprofit that provides mental health treatment for uninsured children. Willoughby was on the board of directors and a passionate spokesman for that cause.
A passerby reported the blaze at the residence, 516 W. 30th St., at 6:42 p.m. and notified dispatchers that there was someone still inside the burning Carter Park house.
Crews tried to enter the house through the front door in an attempted rescue effort, but they were met by extremely high heat and low visibility and were forced out, Vancouver Fire Department spokesman Darrin Deming said.
Two pets, a dog and a cat, also died in the fire.
The Vancouver Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause of the fire.
Bryce Helgerson, president of Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center, released the following statement Wednesday:
“We are deeply saddened by the news. Brian Willoughby was well known for his contagious laugh and smile, his community spirit and his desire to help in any way he knew how. He began his career at Legacy with Salmon Creek Medical Center (and) was recently promoted to a Director of Community Benefit position for the health system. He wished to pursue the position to ‘do more good’ in this community and region. He certainly did. He is a beloved member of our Legacy family.”
Friend Joy Imboden Overstreet wrote on Facebook: “The world lost a real gem last night.”
