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Andrew Mantycki

In my heart, he’s always Tata - Daddy in English. Andy to his friends. This picture is one of the happiest memories we have of my Dad. He’s renovating our house – and in his bliss. He was a Master Craftsman and Engineering genius, not by profession, but by calling. He was a quiet spoken man, kind, humble and gentle. Very creative, resourceful and so curious about how and why things worked – especially motors of all sizes. So he’d take apart watches and car engines (without the book) and then put them together – and yes… they’d still work perfectly afterward!

Not long after he retired from the Civil Service, my Dad was diagnosed with Colon Cancer and rushed into immediate surgery. The prognosis was uncertain. He was pragmatic about the Chemo treatments - just expected they’d go well.. and they did. For a while. We were hopeful. We cherished our family time together. But some 12 months later the downturn started. Flare-ups, in and out of hospital, weight loss, weakness. Ups and downs like a yoyo. He fought on. His heart was his strength. Throughout my Dad always appreciated the care he received at Sunnybrook here in Toronto. Always a thank you, a smile or a joke for his doctors and nurses, no matter how horrid it was for him. On Fathers Day, June 19, 1988, my Dad was rushed to hospital again. He lapsed into a coma. The next weeks were a heart-wrenching blur. One day, he just woke up. We had two beautiful weeks with him - like a brilliant rainbow between two of the darkest storms imaginable. And on July 19th, my Tata passed on. We had the honour of being there.

My husband Ron Mitchell is one of the Drivers for this Coast To Coast Ride, and on the Communications Team. My Dad loved and respected him dearly… and he’ll be supporting him, and all of you, on the TEAM from his easy chair upstairs! He’ll be so intrigued with those state-of-the art bikes you’re riding.. and of course those vehicles! THANK YOU – to each of you - from my Dad and from me for your extraordinary dedication to helping cancer survivors, victims, and their loved ones to live through, with and beyond cancer with quality and grace.

Virginia Mantycki