Obituary – Death – Cause of death News : Bill Vigars, the man who played a crucial role in promoting Terry Fox’s Marathon of Hope in 1980, has passed away at the age of 78. His wife, Sherry MacDonald, confirmed his death due to congestive heart failure, surrounded by loved ones in a hospital in White Rock, B.C. Vigars, a former director of public relations and fundraising for the Canadian Cancer Society, met Fox in 1980 and supported him as he embarked on his journey to run across Canada to raise funds for cancer research.
Vigars remained by Fox’s side until the tragic end of his journey in Thunder Bay, where Fox learned that his cancer had spread. Despite Fox’s passing in 1981, his legacy lived on through the annual Terry Fox Run, which has raised over $850 million for cancer research since its inception. Vigars was dedicated to keeping Fox’s dream alive and sharing his story with schools across the country every September.
Last year, Vigars co-authored a book titled “Terry & Me: The Inside Story of Terry Fox’s Marathon of Hope,” providing his perspective on the iconic event. While initially hesitant to draw attention to himself, Vigars felt that Canadians deserved to know the story behind Fox’s incredible journey. His publisher and the Terry Fox Foundation both expressed their sadness over his passing, acknowledging his significant contributions to Fox’s legacy.
Vigars’ impact on Terry Fox’s mission and the Canadian cancer research community will always be remembered. His dedication to preserving Fox’s memory and sharing his story will continue to inspire generations to come.
What was Bill Vigars known for?
WHITE ROCK, B.C. — Bill Vigars, who led the promotion of Terry Fox’s Marathon of Hope in 1980, has died at the age of 78.
How did Bill Vigars pass away?
His wife, Sherry MacDonald, confirmed the news in an interview, saying Vigars died of congestive heart failure on Thursday surrounded by loved ones at a hospital in White Rock, B.C. She said he fought a “long, tough battle” that began when he had a heart attack in June.
What was Bill Vigars’ legacy?
Vigars was the former director of public relations and fundraising for the Canadian Cancer Society. He met Fox in 1980 and served as his public relations officer and confidant as the 21-year-old set out with the goal of running across Canada to raise money for cancer research.
How did Bill Vigars contribute to Terry Fox’s Marathon of Hope?
Vigars was by Fox’s side until the tragic end of his journey in Thunder Bay, when Fox learned the cancer that had taken his right leg had spread to his lungs. Fox died on June 28, 1981, at Royal Columbia Hospital in New Westminster, B.C.
What impact did Terry Fox’s legacy have on cancer research?
Fox’s legacy set the framework for the annual Terry Fox Run, igniting cancer research in Canada and raising more than $850 million since 1980, according to the Terry Fox Foundation website.
How did Bill Vigars continue to honor Terry Fox’s dream?
MacDonald said Vigars made it his mission to keep Terry Fox’s dream alive, going to schools every September to tell Fox’s story ahead of the annual run. The only September he missed was this year as he was in the hospital.
What was Bill Vigars’ relationship with Terry Fox?
“Terry was his guiding light,” MacDonald said of her husband. “Terry’s tenacity, his convictions, his determination, was all something that Bill liked to live by.”
What was the significance of the book “Terry & Me: The Inside Story of Terry Fox’s Marathon of Hope”?
Vigars published a book last year, with Ian Harvey, titled “Terry & Me: The Inside Story of Terry Fox’s Marathon of Hope.” Released on Aug. 29, 2023, the book is about the Marathon of Hope from Vigars’ perspective.
How was Bill Vigars remembered by his publisher and the Terry Fox Foundation?
His publisher, Sutherland House Publishing, posted to social media on Friday it was “very saddened” to hear about Vigar’s death, calling him an “author, publicist and close friend of Terry Fox.” The Terry Fox Foundation also made a post to social media in Vigars’ honour, reflecting on his impact on Terry Fox’s legacy.
12, 2024.
Bill Vigars’ Role in Terry Fox’s Marathon of Hope
Bill Vigars played a crucial role in the promotion of Terry Fox’s Marathon of Hope in 1980. As the former director of public relations and fundraising for the Canadian Cancer Society, Vigars met Fox in 1980 and became his public relations officer and confidant. Together, they embarked on the journey of running across Canada to raise money for cancer research.
Vigars’ Dedication to Terry Fox’s Legacy
After Fox’s tragic end in Thunder Bay, Vigars made it his mission to keep Terry Fox’s dream alive. He tirelessly worked to share Fox’s story and inspire others to participate in the annual Terry Fox Run, which has since raised over $850 million for cancer research in Canada.
The Publication of “Terry & Me: The Inside Story of Terry Fox’s Marathon of Hope”
Despite his initial reluctance, Vigars published a book last year with Ian Harvey, titled “Terry & Me: The Inside Story of Terry Fox’s Marathon of Hope.” This book provides a unique perspective on the Marathon of Hope and serves as a tribute to Fox’s legacy.
Remembering Bill Vigars
Bill Vigars’ passing has left a significant impact on those who knew him. His dedication to Terry Fox’s vision and his unwavering support for the cause of cancer research will always be remembered. Vigars’ legacy lives on through the stories he shared and the lives he touched.
–By Brieanna Charlebois in Vancouver
The Canadian Press