The Apex Mountain community is in mourning following the loss of one of the resort's owners.

Photo: Facebook. 

Louise Burgart, 68, was part of the group that purchased the mountain in 1997. She was found dead by her coworkers on Jan. 24. The cause of death is currently unknown, although it is not considered suspicious. 

"We hadn't heard from her in two days, which is not uncommon. Sometimes, she would do her own thing or take off to Vancouver," said James Shalman, general manager at Apex. "But after not seeing her for a couple of days, we kind of raised some alarms and went to her place to check on her, and we found her like that. We are guessing it's a heart attack, but that has not been confirmed yet."

Shalman has known and worked with Louise for the past 13 years. He said she was a hands-on owner and an amazing woman. 

"I knew her really well. She was one of the most genuine, thoughtful and caring people I've met," he said. "Anybody I've talked to, when she was alive or since we found out, has always said the same thing. Just an absolutely amazing woman."

Burgart lived in Fort St. James, but spent the majority of the winter on the mountain, helping out with whatever duties needed to be done. 

Formerly a school principal and superintendent, Shalman said Burgart always had the ability to handle things professionally. 

"Louise was always someone I would go to for a second opinion. Her character, her judgement calls – no matter what, it would always be the right decision," he said. 

Shalman said Burgart was an active and fit woman who hardly drank and watched what she ate. 

Every morning she went on a big hike from the village to the upper parking lot. She was highly involved with staff and mountain events, cooking pancake breakfasts for the lifties every Tuesday and Thursday and donating money to local fundraisers. 

"Apex was not a job for her, it was not a business for her. It was a family and a way of life."

Burgart's family is holding a funeral this weekend in Fort St. James, and Apex is planning a torch-lit ski on the Okanagan Run at 8 p.m. on Feb. 7 in her memory.

An autopsy is planned to determine the cause of death.