Mr. Speaker, I rise in the House today to celebrate the life of a remarkable British Columbian, Rolly Fox.
For 36 years, Rolly was the “behind-the-scenes believer” in the mission his son Terry Fox set out on with his Marathon of Hope to raise money for cancer research . In recent years, he took a more public role with the Terry Fox Foundation, visiting local runs across the country and personally signing over 14,000 “thank you” letters every year.
Millions of people around the world will mourn the loss of a man whose never ceasing optimism inspired his son to set out on a journey that would bring hope to those facing the darkest chapter of their lives.
Rolly will be remembered by those who knew him best for enriching their lives with laughter and for his courage and grace as he faced his life's last challenge.
Terry, Betty and now Rolly Fox fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith. Let us vow today to pick up the torch they have carried so well for so long.