Manitoba man pays tribute to his father who passed away from COVID-19
A Manitoba man found a unique way to pay tribute to his dad who passed away due to COVID-19.
Larry Baillie, who lost his dad to COVID-19 back in November 2020, decided to shave off his beard for the first time since restrictions were put in place and then set off on a half-marathon passing places that meant something to his father.
Baillie said he originally planned to do this six weeks ago when he was going to run in the police half-marathon, as his dad was a police officer in Toronto, but the event was postponed due to health restrictions.
Larry Baillie running part of his half-marathon Tuesday, June 22, 2021. (Source: Scott Andersson/CTV News)
Larry Baillie running part of his half-marathon Tuesday, June 22, 2021. (Source: Scott Andersson/CTV News)
"I will be running from the Bombers' stadium, to my dad's nursing home, via the Legislature," said Baillie.
He said all these locations were important to his dad as he was an avid football fan, died from COVID-19 at the Maple's care home after he battled skin cancer and he was a voice for seniors during the pandemic.
"My dad was the ultimate cheerleader. My dad had a smile that would light up a room and a laughter that you could hear for miles."
Baillie said he is doing this as one final trip, as he would go to football games at IG Field with his dad and then they would head home.
"So I am taking one final trip, I took a trip on the 11th when he passed away, November 11. December 24 I picked up his belongings, today will be the third and final time I will ever be near the Maples."
Larry Baillie getting his beard shaved before running his half-marathon on June 22, 2021. (Source: Scott Andersson/CTV News)
Larry Baillie getting his beard shaved before running his half-marathon on June 22, 2021. (Source: Scott Andersson/CTV News)
Baillie wants to remind people that all of those people who have died from COVID-19 at the Maples, including his dad, are not just numbers or statistics, they were friends and family and loved ones of others in the province.
Baillie said he is also raising money and so far has gathered over $2,000 and his goal is over $9,000 and if he hits his mark, he said he would shave his head.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
B.C. man used Bobcat as 'weapon' while chasing away homeless people, judge says
A B.C. man has been convicted of assault with a weapon after using a skid-steer Bobcat to chase two homeless people from his lawn, injuring one of them in the process.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Miss Teen USA steps down just days after Miss USA's resignation
Miss Teen USA resigned Wednesday, sending further shock waves through the pageant community just days after Miss USA said she would relinquish her crown.
'Nobody should be getting away with murder': Grieving mother speaks out after son killed in North Preston, N.S.
A grieving mother is speaking out after her 36-year-old son was shot and killed in North Preston, N.S., Wednesday night.
Toronto-area dessert shop featured by Keith Lee forced to move after zoning complaint
A small Ajax dessert shop that recently received a glowing review from celebrity food critic Keith Lee is being forced to move after a zoning complaint was made following the social media influencer’s visit last month.