I'm Riding For

Ivan Desroches and Greg Armstrong

I want to dedicate this year's ride to 2 people: Ivan, who just passed away recently, and to Greg Armstrong who left us a few years ago. I will always remember Ivan's calm patient demeanor, quiet optimism, warm friendly smile, and love of family and youth that I first got to know in our daily morning and afternoon chats as he dropped off his kids at my home daycare. These attributes served him well throughout his life as he raised 4 fine kids and served as scout leader for many more. Even faced with a grim diagnosis, he maintained his cheerful outlook, put Tammy, his family, and friends first, and partook in clinical trials that he knew wouldn't save his life but could contribute to research to help others. I love this photo of him, and picture him sailing into the next life with that same big smile on his face. Our former pastor, Greg was there for us when Owen had pancreatic cancer - praying, supporting us, even coming to Toronto to visit post surgery. In his last email to us he detailed how glad he had been to be able to witness to people during his own battle with cancer and numerous hospital stays, sharing with many where his hope and strength came from. Greg loved children too and was always a huge hit at yearly Vacation Bible Schools. He would be pleased to see funds raised in his memory to help children with cancer.