Steve Fonyo | Shadow of a Hero

In 1984 Steve Fonyo picked up where Terry Fox left off. He ran across Canada raising millions for cancer research and was named to the Order of Canada. But that was 31 years ago. And a lot has changed.
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[@diaryofacrankykid7270]

In my mind, this man is a hero. Made mistakes yes, but definitely deserving of a measure of respect.

[@ingridr8917]

I met him in a Chinese restaurant in White Rock in the 80*s, BC at the height of his popularity. He was very humble and a little shy. He has fought a hard battle in many ways. I do appreciate his contribution to His country. There’s more for you Steve Fonyo than this wretched time on earth. May you Rest In Peace.

[@barrywatt9765]

Rest in peace, and thanks for your contribution❤

[@yja496]

He received the order of Canada for an achievement and it has nothing to do with what he did later on in life. It was wrong to have it revoked.

[@patscott5754]

I feel badly for Steve. I met him twice and he was very likable. He wasn't as intense as what Terry was, but that's ok. I really believe he did his best. I don't believe they should of taken the Order of Canada away from him. He earned that. I hope he can find his way.

[@arielvillaverde9507]

Well said. Someone shouldn't be judged for some bad choices in life. They should probably find out why they "got that way" first before judging.. and then help them. Not turn the other cheek..

[@arielvillaverde9507]

Man... watching this interview (again, after some time) it still tears me up :( There's so much in our lives that affect what happens to us. I admire Steve's honesty and braveness in asking for forgiveness(for his own wrongdoings) But in that vein, Canada also didn't act very well in not protecting and giving help to one of their own (and I'm Canadian) I really hope Steve's doing ok still...

[@lisabigstone1005]

I was 7 when myself and a classmate sung the song for him, my older sister even played the Ukelele that was played on our local radio in Victoria, BC. I don't know if it was played beyond that but it was so surprising for me to be chosen as the female voice out of all the girls in our school. I wish I could remember my class mates name and find the song but I still remember most of how it goes even still.

[@kd259]

I remember you Steve, and I wish you well.

[@batb4ever]

Removing him from the Order of Canada is wrong! What kind of example is that? He raised millions of dollars to a worthy cause. He did more in his 19 years of age than most in a life time. He lost his way and what Canada did was beat him while he was down. That's wrong! What happen to redemption? Stay strong Steve.

[@beatmastert]

he was a fraud and a crook

[@robford3211]

It’s not a binary world : you can be a fraud and crook and an amazing athlete! Newton was an amazing scientist and one of the worst human beings. So it’s not either one

[@jhangzhou1762]

Rest in peace Steve.

[@ericwilliams398]

RIP Steve, should never have had the Order of Canada rescinded. And I lost respect for Wendy, God did you have to smile so much while asking this man those painful questions?

[@sigmckone]

Rip Steve...i remember u well.

[@vflytrap7158]

RIP Steve Fonyo

[@ravenspirit59]

Rest in peace Steve Fonyo

[@annetteslife]

I remember Steve. Whatever happened happened. He can't take that back but one thing he can do is move on from the past and hope for the future and learn from it

[@JG-ce7sg]

its sad we do not acknowledge Steve, despite his run in with the law he did technically finish the run

[@davedruid7427]

He says Terry Fox's Statue has no business being on Fonyo's Beach???!!! What a Self Absorbed Statement!

[@canadianfortruth]

R.I.P. Steve .ill remember our time working together as a auto tech's .God bless u and yours

[@virupakshakumbar4203]

🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@TheCymbalProject]

That's enough tough breaks for any one person to have to deal with. Thinking, wishing, praying for you today buddy.

[@jimmywhite11]

They gave him the order of Canada 30 years ago for his fantastic accomplishment, and now 30 years later they take it away from him??? How does what he did last week, or last month, or last year take away from the great thing he did 30 years back, I don't see the logic??? I'm ashamed to be Canadian these days, and not just over this, but this is truly shameful!

[@jeffsmith8920]

Steve I truly wish you the best and I hope you listen and follow the advice of Gabor. End your journey in life Happy and proud of yourself. We all need help sometimes and I hope to see you doing a lot better some day.

[@bigoldbeef1982]

This is sad to watch, I worked with Steve for years. In automotive shops in bc. Sad 😔

[@barontaylor7139]

I remember Terry Fox and Rick Hansen, yet I don’t remember anything about Steve Fonyo

[@LLDP]

I hardly remember heard about him growing up.. but just found out he passed away.

[@dbwright69]

my cousin {now deceased} was a very good friend of Steve's at one , Steve ripped him off for a substantial amount amount of money, but Steve still did what he did, even my cousin acknowledges that , the politically correct Canadian public took away his order of Canada, they should be ashamed of what the did.

[@lska7853]

Name a beech after you with a statue of Terry Fox on it? How insulting!

[@trkdigital5685]

i think if they gave fonyo a large sum of money he'd just blow it up his nose..

[@betterdaysareatoenailaway]

jesus christ

[@gnpinc8434]

this strory is NOT a suprise BUT shows how STRONG Terry Fox was

[@appletree8441]

Fox was a quitter

[@patscott5754]

Terry was very intense- Steve was very laid back. Both have the same dream. I hope Steve finds his way again. It's sad to see him like this. There is a really good soul in there. He needs help.

[@matthewaube7288]

I’m sorry but I don’t see the comparison at all Fox died an we have no idea how his life would have turned out. Let’s not pretend he wasn’t disabled an let’s not act like people treat the dead very different then the living do to the what if factor.

[@davidgray6777]

Rescinding the Order of Canada is punishment for having the deadly disease of addiction and it's resulting complications. Try some empathy please.

[@dashcan8479]

Can we excommunicate Wendy Mesley. God I cant stand her. She is such a devious liar

[@robandcheryls]

You Rock Steve

[@Dare2BStoopid]

I'm kinda growing a deep hatred for Wendy's interviews.

[@FryngeMinority]

Yeah she seemed pretty smug here

[@850iStyle]

poor interviewer, that's for sure.

[@appletree8441]

Don't raise money for anybody else buy yourself. This way you get to run the charity and decide what money goes where. And you get a job

[@appletree8441]

Fox was a quitter

[@michaellacroix8029]

He is a Canadian hero

[@Tobleronewnuts]

Hey Steve, just some quick math but if you raised $14 million for the Canadian Cancer Society, they claim to spend 31% on Fundraising. That means they owe you over $4 million, and that's not including inflation. I understand your situation very well, and your anger towards Canadian society. I do however feel it's misplaced as the Canadian Cancer Society is the one who screwed you.