Will Dwyer, Barrie's Million Dollar Man, laid to rest at 96
Family and friends of Barrie's Million-Dollar Man, Will Dwyer, paid their final respects Thursday morning as the Second World War veteran was laid to rest.
Dwyer passed away at Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre in Barrie on Sunday morning following a long battle with prostate cancer and other ailments.
He was well-known for his passion and dedication to the Terry Fox Run and raised more than $1.2 million for the cause that was near and dear to his heart.
"He was the ultimate door-to-door canvasser," the Terry Fox Run Foundation posted in an online tribute to Dwyer.
Dwyer surpassed his goal of raising $1 million to support cancer research in 2019.
In an interview with CTV News, he said he "deserved a drink" with a chuckle after reaching the million-dollar mark.
"I'm sure Terry would be happy that I've made a million dollars for him," he said.
While Dwyer never met Terry Fox, he said the Marathon of Hope in 1980 inspired him, and he had to get involved.
He participated in every Terry Fox Run over the years, and when his cancer slowed him down and the pandemic prevented door-knocking, Dwyer remained determined.
"I don't give up," he said in Sept. 2020. "No sense in giving up."
In 2020, he reached out to previous donors for support, manned a table a the Barrie Farmers' Market raising awareness, and rolled around his retirement home, Whispering Pines, on his scooter to raise funds.
Soon after, Dwyer set a new goal to reach $2 million.
He encouraged everyone to donate one dollar to the Terry Fox Run Foundation to help him reach his new goal.
"Will never gave up, he never quit, and he believed he could make a difference to the very end. And what a difference he made. Thank you, kind, funny, marvellous Will Dwyer. You will be greatly missed," the foundation wrote.
Dwyer was 96.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Inside Canada's chaotic response to avian flu
A CFIA official is calling it the 'largest animal health emergency that this country has ever had to face.' A joint IJF/CTV News investigation looks into Canada's response to the bird flu pandemic, and how it's ravaged the country's farms.
What Donald Trump's election victory could mean for Canada
Following president-elect Donald Trump's decisive election victory, there are sure to be significant knock-on effects for Canada. Here's a look at the different areas in which a second Trump presidency may affect Canadians.
Cuba left reeling after Category 3 hurricane ravages island and knocks out power grid
Cuba was left reeling Thursday after a fierce Category 3 hurricane ripped across the island and knocked out the country's power grid.
Influencer is banned from future NYC marathons for bringing a camera crew to last weekend's race
A social media influencer from Texas was disqualified from last weekend's New York City Marathon and banned from future competitions after he ran the race with a camera crew on e-bikes in tow.
Sleepy during the day? You may be at higher risk for a pre-dementia syndrome, study finds
If you find yourself sleepy during your daily activities in your older age, you may need to consider it more than an inconvenience — since the fatigue may indicate you’re at higher risk for developing a condition that can lead to dementia, a new study has found.
Kamala Harris concedes: Here's what she said in her speech
Democratic Vice-President Kamala Harris conceded the U.S. election to Republican Donald Trump Wednesday afternoon, telling her supporters that her 'heart is full.'
Canada's health-care spending expected to outpace economy in 2024: CIHI
The Canadian Institute for Health Information says health-care spending in Canada is projected to reach a new high in 2024.
Newfoundland hockey player suspended, banned from local arena after off-ice fight with fan
A combination of a thrown stick and thrown punches have given a senior hockey player in Newfoundland a three-game suspension and an indefinite ban from one of his league's six arenas.
The world's 10 richest people got a record US$64 billion richer from Trump's re-election
Wednesday wasn't just a good day for Donald Trump. The wealth of the world’s 10 richest people also soared by a record amount, according to Bloomberg’s Billionaire Index.