In Memory of Capt Gary Harris, HRFE, Husband, Father, Grandfather
On May 6th, 2026, our family lost our hero, Gary, to leukemia. Gary was a proud Halifax firefighter who dedicated his life to protecting others, ultimately losing his battle to an occupational cancer. We shared a deep passion for fighting this disease, proudly cycling together in the Halifax BMO Ride for Cancer in 2018 and 2019. Gary had the honour of being the event's inspirational speaker in 2018, and introduced his two time bone marrow donor to the other participants.
On October 3, 2026, our grandsons, other family members and friends, and I are getting back on our bikes to honour Gary's incredible legacy. Because this is officially the Grand Finale year for the Ride for Cancer, we want to show up bigger than ever to support life-changing local cancer care. Please consider donating to our team to help us finish what Gary started and smash our fundraising goal!
My Achievements
Completed Profile Page
Shared Personal Page
Made a personal donation
Reached my fundraising goal!
My Updates
I am riding for Gary, my best friend and the love of my life
🚴♂️🔥On October 3, I am participating in the final BMO Ride for Cancer as part of our family team, Harris Strong.
This ride is deeply personal. I am riding to honor my wonderful husband of 48 years, Gary Harris, who passed away on May 6 after a remarkable 29-year battle with leukemia.Gary spent over 23 years serving his community as a Halifax firefighter. When leukemia—now recognized as an occupational cancer—changed our lives, Gary didn't just focus on his own fight. He became a leading advocate for his fellow firefighters, playing a key role in passing Nova Scotia’s Firefighters’ Compensation Act to protect other families going through their darkest days.
Cancer never defined Gary. He was an incredible husband, father, grandfather, and mentor. In 2018, twenty years after his life-saving bone marrow transplant, Gary and I actually rode in the Ride for Cancer together. Sharing the stage that year with his German stem cell donor, Michael Buck, was one of the greatest highlights of our lives.
Now, I am stepping back onto the bike. Every single kilometer I pedal will be in memory of my brave husband, and in honor of everyone who has faced this disease.
My fundraising goal is $2,000 to fund vital cancer research and care.If Gary’s story of service and love touches your heart, please consider making a donation or sharing this post to help us continue his incredible legacy.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your love and support.
#HarrisStrong #RideForCancer #FirefighterFamily #LeukemiaWarrior #48YearsTogether
ShareThank you to my Supporters
$49.92
Anonymous
$25
Elizabeth And Darcy Benoit
$50
Sarah Ritchie
$52
Sandra Cleary
Have a great ride
$52
Angela Clair
$104
Paul Lannan
Thank you Anne! Gary has always been, and remains, one of our greatest inspirations.
$100
Peter Teed
$52
Karen Pauls
Happy to support your challenge in honor of Gary, who was an inspiration to many.
$78
Anonymous
Good Luck
$52
Lynne Allen
$26
Clare
$200
Bruce Hyundai
$52
Bev And Dave
$52
Don Heather Harris
$100
Janice & George Metzger
Good Luck to Team Harris Strong. Have a great ride!
$156
Patricia Kalgutkar
Hi, Anne, My name is Patricia. I am Michel’s sister from yhe Northwest Territories. Dan sent me the link for the fundraiser. To ride with your grandsons - such a beautiful way to remember together.
$26
Peter/debbie Selig
$104
Michael Belovich
Wishing you peace and success. In honour of Marjorie!
$104
Joe Young
Go girl go
$104
