A soldier raised in Carstairs remains missing following his disappearance last Thursday.
Master Cpl. Richard Curnow, 25, was last seen participating in a 10-kilometre run with eight fellow soldiers near Emily Murphy Park in Edmonton.
When the exercise was over, Curnow was missing. According to multiple media reports, Curnow's running mates waited 90 minutes for his arrival that never came.
The Edmonton Police Service says Richard's black 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander, with personal items still inside, was found parked at the south end of Hawrelak Park in Edmonton.
Richard's parents, Carstairs residents Glenn and Susan Curnow travelled to Edmonton upon news of their missing son.
“We want him home,” Glenn Curnow told the Courier. Realizing there is little they can do to benefit those involved in the search, the couple returned to their Carstairs residence.
“There's nothing we can do up there,” Glenn said, adding that the couple has their bags packed just in case they need to make a sudden trip to Edmonton.
“We came home to sit by the phone. Just in case.”
On the afternoon of May 6, the official search was called off. Members of the Edmonton Police Service, the military, the fire department and the Search and Rescue team had all participated. According to media reports, the search involved a 12-km span, that included neighbourhoods near the place of his disappearance.
Glenn said he and Susan express their gratitude to those who contributed to the search, including a large number of volunteers.
“They were all so good,” Glenn said.
Since returning, the couple has received phone calls from concerned friends, but adds that he believes people are keeping a respectful distance.
“They all know Richard and all want him home,” Glenn added.
“They all love that guy. I am not understating that. He is just a nice kid.”
Richard Curnow and his wife Justine MacKenzie-Curnow have a three-year-old daughter.
Curnow served two tours of service in Afghanistan, working with the Counter Improvised Explosive Device Task Force.
Richard returns to Carstairs regularly, including annually participating in the town's Remembrance Day service.
“He was part of this community,” Glenn Curnow said.
“He still considers (Carstairs) his No. 2 home.”
Richard lived in Carstairs up until 2004, when as a 17-year-old he signed up for military service.
A Facebook group called “Help find Richard Curnow,” has been launched to help spread awareness. Many people who either know Richard or are sympathetic to the situation have left messages of encouragement on the wall of the Facebook group.
Richard is described as 5 feet 11 inches tall, with an athletic build and weighing 208 pounds. He has brown hair and brown eyes.
Anyone with information related to Richard Curnow's whereabouts is encouraged to call Edmonton Police Service helpline at (780) 423-4567.
