Photo: GoFundMe

A Lumby man lost his home in a Father's Day fire.

And, now, his son has launched a campaign to help him out.

Kevan Ramsey's home burned June 19 in the North Okanagan community where he has spent his entire life and raised five children, says his son, Kyle.

"On Father's Day ... while his daughter and granddaughter were visiting from Vancouver Island, the unthinkable happened, a faulty wire ignited, and Kevan's home caught on fire," Kyle says on the GoFundMe page.

"Fortunately, he and his family were able to escape unharmed, but the fire quickly got out of control. The Lumby Fire Department arrived quickly, but the fire caused massive damage by the time the fire department got it under control and eventually extinguished."

Ramsey's son says his father "lost the vast majority of his personal possessions as well as a lifetime of his family memorabilia. All the photos of his children and grandchildren were lost that day. Additionally, all the hallmarks he had saved from his family's life were lost – baby blankets, school projects, Christmas decorations, and gifts he had received from children or grandchildren. Needless to say, it was a devastating day for him."

Kyle says his father had hoped to spend his retirement years in the home, but "due to some technical rules with his insurance, we are uncertain whether he will be reimbursed for anything, and his dream has been shattered.

"Only a few years from retirement, my dad has lost a lifetime of memories, investments and possessions that he can never hope to get back or meaningfully rebuild."

Kyle says his father would never ask for help, "so, I am doing it for him."

The fundraiser was launched Sunday and has so far raised $800 towards a goal of $20,000.