OUR TOWN The Interior News
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
www.interior-news.com
A5
Phil’s Posse: Relay of honour By Marvin Beatty Smithers/Interior News
I
n November of 2008, family and friends of Phil Leroux gathered to say final goodbye’s as their father, husband, brother, grandfather and friend lost his year-long battle with lung cancer. Last May they gathered again, as they’ve done every year since 2009, to participate in the Canadian Cancer Society’s Relay for Life at Chandler Park Middle School in Smithers. The relay is Canada’s biggest cancer fundraiser and directly impacts the lives of those living with the disease. Calling their team “Phil’s Posse”, the team honoured the hard-working, unselfish, community-minded person that Leroux was, by working hard to raise money for cancer research. Michelle Golder, Phil’s daughter, said that finding the time and energy for the all-day event, comes naturally. Her father battled through 10 rounds of chemotherapy and Golder said she draws on the strength he showed when the yearly fundraiser begins. “When it’s dear to you, you put in the effort,” she said. This year Phil’s Posse raised more than $4,200 and they were just one of 26 teams that eventually brought in more than $67,000. That kind of effort was never in short supply in everything that Leroux put his energy into. The second youngest of 12 children born to Eusebe and Jessie Leroux, Phil probably learned at an early age that determination and social skills can go a long way. Described in his eulogy, given by friend Doug Kydd, as a hard-working, social, organized leader and “go-to” guy, Leroux’s life touched the lives of many people in positive ways. While his first priority was always his family, Leroux had a penchant for helping others. He was involved in coaching youth hockey, curling, softball and baseball teams, held memberships with the Smithers Curling Club and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Leroux’s nearly three decade career working in the insurance business was, according to Kydd, a perfect fit as he helped people protect themselves from potential financial difficulties. In addition to insurance, Leroux also had four postings throughout B.C. as a member of the RCMP and also was co-owner of the Smithers Hotel for a period of about five years.
The Golder and Leroux families are grateful for the generous support from the Smithers community and, rest assured, they will be back for the yearly relay, until cancer is something that is talked about as something that people used to get. Inset: Phil Leroux. Contributed photos
Esther Leroux, Phil’s wife of almost 40 years, said that she and Phil had a five-year plan when they got into the hotel business. As happens with many who spend time in Smithers, the couple enjoyed the community and lifestyle here so much, they never left. No doubt Phil would be impressed by the effort put forth by his daughter, her family and all families and volunteers who gathered to help fight a diseases that touches so many people. “Cancer touches everyone,” said Esther. “Phil is one of three in his family that have died from it.” The number of cases, according to the Canadian Cancer Statistics 2012 report produced by the Canadian
th
Happy 90 Birthday
to one of the most remarkable people in our lives
Margaret Owen We are so proud of you and love you with our whole hearts! Love your entire family.
Cancer Society, Statistics Canada, Provincial and Territorial Cancer Registries and the Pubic Health Agency of Canada, is startling. Over 186,000 new cases of cancer, excluding over 81,000 non-melanoma skin cancers, are estimated to occur in Canada in 2012. The disease is expected to claim more than 75,000 people this year alone. Of newly diagnosed cases, the report notes that more than half will be lung, colorectal, prostate and breast cancers. Phil’s sister Sandy Saito, is also now battling the same disease that claimed her brother. “She isn’t doing too well,” Esther said. “We just have to keep on fighting this.”
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Hemochromatosis Information Wednesday, July 11, 7-8:10 p.m. Babine Room at Hudson Bay Lodge. A crippling, potentially fatal condition caused by a defect of iron metabolism. For more info. www.toomuchiron.ca or call (604)279-7135. REV-IT-UP Kids Camp at the Evangelical Free Church, July 9-13, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Games, Skits, Crafts, Snacks, Music and More! Children 5-12 years. angie_brohart@hotmail. com, 250-847-4026. Jewels in July: a Quilting Gem, combines our bi-annual Quilt Show in the Main Gallery with an exhibition of paintings by Peni Campbell in the Mini Gallery. Exhibition dates: July 3-July 28. BV Backpackers Easy Hike Sunday, July 29, 10 a.m. at Bulkley River Rec Site Chalet, West End Road, Quick. Tir Bannog, tour of
Medieval Village, bag lunch at river. Dina 846-9214, quickdnd@ bulkley.net. Art camps for kids this summer: August 13-17, ages 5-7, 1011:30 a.m., ages 8-11, 1-3 p.m., $25/child/week. Register at the Smithers Art Gallery. 847-3898, info@smithersart.org, www. smithersart.org. FREE drop-in art activities for kids at the Smithers Art Gallery 9 a.m. – noon every Saturday from May through August during the Farmers’ Market. BV Toastmasters will take a summer hiatus and return Sept. 10, Room 401-SSS, 7 p.m. All welcome to improve speaking and leadership skills. Meanwhile, please check our Facebook page for updates.
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