Missing Shin Noh fed by homeless, searchers told

There are unconfirmed reports that homeless people in the Burke Mountain area may have been feeding a Coquitlam man with Alzheimer's disease who went missing last week.

Police say Shin Ik Noh, 64, was last seen by his wife at 10:30 a.m. PT on Sept. 18 when he left his home near the Lansdowne Drive and Guildford Way area for his morning walk. When he didn't return a few hours later the family called police.

His son, Sam Noh, says he has been told by several searchers that homeless people claim they have been feeding the elderly man but the the sightings have yet to be confirmed.

On Tuesday, a homeless man in Coquitlam named Dale told CBC News he hasn't seen the man himself, but believes it's very possible Noh is being helped by the homeless community.

"Most of the other homeless can't do much else except give the guy some warm clothes, maybe a blanket for the night, maybe some food," he said.

"Everybody is giving down there. If you're in the bush, you're not alone. There are people who will help you everywhere you go."

The family has been organizing daily searches of the area after the elderly Korean-Canadian man was spotted in three different places around the Burke Mountain area.

• Read more about the search for Shin Noh

Noh says his father is good shape and capable of walking long distances.

"He has gone missing in the past, but he's always made it home," said Noh."

Shin Noh is described as:

• Five-foot six-inches tall.
• 160 pounds.
• Short black hair greying on the sides.
• Wearing a navy blue plaid shirt.

Anyone who spots someone matching Noh's description is asked to call 911 and stay with him.