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KELOWNA, British Columbia (AP) - The waterfront estate of
business magnate and former Westbank Indian Band Chief Ron
Derrickson has been destroyed by fire.
Derrickson is traveling in Europe, and no one was in the
6,500-square-foot home when the fire started about 2:30 a.m.
Sunday, authorities said.
"There were a lot of native art works and artifacts in the
home," band Chief Robert Louie said. "It's going to be a huge
loss, beyond the house itself. It's very sad for Mr. Derrickson."
Firefighting efforts were hampered by a lack of hydrants in the
neighborhood, which was developed before the Central Okanagan
Regional District required hydrants in residential subdivisions.
"The house was fully engulfed when we got here, with fire from
end to end," assistant fire chief Craig Weddell said.
Cause of the fire was under investigation.
Derrickson, 61, is one of the wealthiest men in the Okanagan
region of southcentral British Columbia.
In an interview four years ago, he estimated the value of his
property and business interests at $100 million (US$74 million).
He started amassing his fortune in his 20s with a ranching
operation, eventually owning almost 30 companies and a pub, marina,
amusement park, several trailer parks and land leased for a
shopping mall.
(Copyright 2003 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
business magnate and former Westbank Indian Band Chief Ron
Derrickson has been destroyed by fire.
Derrickson is traveling in Europe, and no one was in the
6,500-square-foot home when the fire started about 2:30 a.m.
Sunday, authorities said.
"There were a lot of native art works and artifacts in the
home," band Chief Robert Louie said. "It's going to be a huge
loss, beyond the house itself. It's very sad for Mr. Derrickson."
Firefighting efforts were hampered by a lack of hydrants in the
neighborhood, which was developed before the Central Okanagan
Regional District required hydrants in residential subdivisions.
"The house was fully engulfed when we got here, with fire from
end to end," assistant fire chief Craig Weddell said.
Cause of the fire was under investigation.
Derrickson, 61, is one of the wealthiest men in the Okanagan
region of southcentral British Columbia.
In an interview four years ago, he estimated the value of his
property and business interests at $100 million (US$74 million).
He started amassing his fortune in his 20s with a ranching
operation, eventually owning almost 30 companies and a pub, marina,
amusement park, several trailer parks and land leased for a
shopping mall.
(Copyright 2003 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)