The family of a Markham man whose remains were found in an SUV last week say they are “devastated” by the confirmation of his death.

A black Nissan Rogue registered to Eugene Kim was found Thursday in the woods in Laurier Township, about 55 kilometres south of North Bay. Police initially said they found “human remains” in the vehicle, but on Monday they identified Kim as the deceased individual. The 38-year-old had disappeared after dropping off his two young children at school on Oct. 2 in the area of Bayview Ave. and Royal Orchard Blvd.

Police said a post-mortem examination has been conducted, and they do not suspect foul play.

Kim’s family released a statement Monday evening saying the news “has left a hole in our hearts,” and that they “are still trying to process what has happened.” They described Kim as a loving husband and father.

“We are only able to endure this excruciating pain, because of the outpouring of love and support from family and friends as well as the overwhelming kindness from the public,” the statement reads. “We are leaning on our faith to pull us through as we must come to accept that Eugene is gone forever. We will hold him in our thoughts and hearts for eternity and remember the kind, generous soul that he was.”

His disappearance baffled those close to him. Speaking to the Star in October, brother-in-law Scott Lim said Kim had no history of mental illness, no health problems, no addictions the family knew of and no connections to people known to police.

The timeline of the day he vanished, as provided by his family, offers little answers. On Oct. 2, Kim told his wife, Christine, that he would be home late after a business meeting. However, he then called in sick to work.

Video surveillance from a convenience store near Algonquin Park showed a car similar to Kim’s passing the store around 4:30 p.m. Shortly after, he signed for an overnight camping permit for use in the park, penning his own name and one other indivdual’s on the permit, although an employee at the Voyager Outfitters where he obtained the permit said he came in alone.

At 8 p.m., Kim texted his wife, “I got it. Be home in an hour or so. Love you!” appearing to reference the business deal he told her about earlier. After failing to respond to multiple texts asking about his whereabouts, he texted, “Can’t talk right now,” at around 11:20 p.m. This would be the last anyone would hear from him.

Algonquin Park was searched for days after his family reported him missing on Oct. 4.

The family has asked for privacy as they grieve, but expressed their gratitude for the support from friends and the public “who went above and beyond” during the search for Kim: “The tireless efforts and support from so many strangers will never be forgotten.”

A public viewing is set for Thursday at 7 p.m. at R.S. Kane Funeral Home, before a funeral service and burial on Friday.

With files from Annie Arnone and Alina Bykova