It’s a sad day for people in Canada, as the figurehead of the Fox family has died at the age of 80.
Terry Fox’s father Rolland (Rolly) Fox died late in the afternoon on March 8th, “while listening to a little Hank Williams,” according to his family, who took to social media to announce the sad news.
“He fulfilled his promise to Terry facing cancer with courage, grace and plenty of humour,” they posted to The Terry Fox Foundation Facebook page on Tuesday night. “Our promise to Dad is to try our very best to focus on the many memories of laughter he gifted us the last few weeks and throughout our lives. His room was always overflowing with family, love, laughter, song and story - does life offer anything better?
“We have witnessed once again the pain cancer causes but we know, oh how we know, that we are not alone."
Rolly, who would’ve been 81 in March, had recently been diagnosed with lung cancer.
On February 22nd, he took to social media to thank Terry Fox Foundation supporters for supporting him through his diagnosis.
“The encouraging words have made it easier for me to remain positive and in good spirits,” he wrote, also thanking the team at the BC Cancer Agency.
“I have met many new people over the past few weeks giving me access to a new audience for my humour and old jokes,” he continued. “I am going to continue to fight and only hope I will display the same courage as my son Terry.”
Rolly openly said he started smoking at age 19, but later quit on a dare from his brother on May 24, 1986, 30 years ago.
Betty, Rolly’s wife of 54 years and Terry’s Mom, had also died recently, and Rolly stepped up to be more active in Terry’s movement, visiting Terry Fox Runs across Canada, and personally signing over 14,000 thank-you letters every year, according to his family.
The Terry Fox Research Institute, with funding from the Terry Fox Foundation, recently completed a pan-Canadian study to detect lung cancer early.
Premier Christy Clark said the province has lost a local hero.
"B.C., Canada, and the world have lost a dedicated, resolute pillar in the fight against cancer in Rolly Fox,” said Clark, in a statement. “He made the hero's dream to beat cancer stronger and closer - not just for him, but the millions of people inspired by him and the Fox family, and the thousands of families forever changed by life-saving cancer research.
"While the entire province mourns his loss, tonight my thoughts and prayers are with Rolly's friends and family."
Greg Moore, mayor of Port Coquitlam, BC, Canada, said Rolly was like family.
“It Is with great sadness that the City of Port Coquitlam receives news this evening of the passing of our friend Rolly Fox,” he posted on his Facebook page upon hearing the news. “The memories we will hold dear of Rolly will be of his charm, his sense of humor and is unwavering support for the Terry Fox foundation.”
Rolly Fox's stewardship of his son Terry's legacy helped countless Canadians fight cancer. My condolences to the family on his passing.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) March 9, 2016
