A footnote to this thread:

Albert Chretien's remains have been found.

From the news reports, he made it to within six miles of a town before the elements got the better of him. He clearly gave his all to set things right and save his wife.

A big thank-you to the many searchers, public and private, who kept looking. At least the family has some closure.

RIP

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=162122966

http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2012/10/01/albert-chretien-found-nevada-bc_n_1929793.html

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/story/2012/10/01/albert-chretien-body-found.html