The Coroner's service says DNA analysis has confirmed human remains found near Lake Cowichan in December are those of Darreld Stanley Rayner.
The 52 year old Lake Cowichan man disappeared in May 2007. A 4 day search turned up his dog and his coffee cup, but not Rayner.
At that time he was the subject of a search-and-rescue operation and a missing persons investigation by the RCMP.
The remains were found in a steep and secluded spot off South Shore Road -- the same area he was last seen walking his dog prior to going missing.
The BC Coroners Service’s investigation is ongoing and no other details are available at this time.