“I’m determined this is going to be the year. This is going to be the year we find Luke,” said Rob Joly.
It has been nearly nine years since Rob’s 20-year-old son Luke Joly-Durocher went missing from North Bay.
Police are still searching for the young man his dad describes as polite, soft-spoken and kindhearted. He stood five-foot-eight with a slim build, medium-length dark hair and braces on his upper teeth when he went missing on March 4, 2011.
According to police, he was visiting friends at a Sherbrooke Street apartment, consumed alcohol before heading to Cecil’s Bar where he was turned away. Witnesses did see him socializing at Shooters Bar, located in the Voyager Inn on Delaware Street. He was given a ride with at least one of the patrons in the bar that night. His jacket, cellphone and glasses were found at the Sherbrooke Street residence.
The last communication Luke made on that cellphone was to his father at 8:51 p.m. He was checking in, letting his father know what he was up to.
“He was my best friend,” said Rob.
Earlier that day, Rob had reminded his son about a job interview scheduled for the next day. Luke told him not to worry, told him he would be there and told him he loved him.
The following day, Rob and Luke’s sister drove from their home in Témiscaming, Que. to the house they owned in North Bay. They wanted to pick up Luke, make pizzas and have cake to celebrate Luke’s sister’s birthday. They were unable to reach him. Two days later, Rob received a call from his ex-wife who also hadn’t been able to reach her son either.
“As a mother, she has instincts,” said Rob. She told him something was wrong. Luke would have called. He was reported missing March 7.
On March 15, Luke’s bank card was turned into police by a pedestrian. The last transaction was a withdrawal of $20 the day he disappeared.
READ THE FULL ARTICLE AT ONTARIO COLD CASE: Father vows to keep searching for his missing son | NorthBayNipissing.com
