Walter Perren

(1914-1967) Walter Perren came to Canada from Switzerland in 1950 and became a climbing guide for the Canadian Pacific Railway. In 1955 he joined the National Park Warden Service where he developed search and rescue methods and supervised training until his death in 1967. Prior to his joining the Service wardens did their backcountry work entirely on horseback and left any mountain rescue challenges to the Swiss Guides who worked for the CPR. Walter's most impressive day was when he organized and supervised the rescue of two climbers from the east cliffs of Mount Babe. Peak #5 in the Valley of the Ten Peaks was renamed in his honour. [See Mount Perren (Ten Peaks); Mount Perren (Siffleur)]