85-year-old with terminal cancer sets off on 'last big journey' across Canada
A father-son duo from Hamilton have set off on a cross-country drive, centred around raising awareness for cancer research and cherishing the time they have left together.
On Friday, following months of planning, 85-year-old Ray Osborn and his son made the drive down to Windsor, Ont., to pick up a newly restored 1927 Ford Model A.
The two are taking it for a drive from Windsor to Vancouver for what Osborn calls "his last big journey."
That is because the 85-year-old has terminal cancer.
Osborn's classic car carries a lot of history. It was built in October of 1927 in Windsor as a demonstration vehicle, being transferred to different dealerships so people could test it out before purchasing a similar vehicle the following year.
Osborn, 85, sits in his 1927 Ford Model A. The car was originally meant to be a demonstration vehicle, but an individual that Osborn bought it from in 1965 convinced a dealership to sell it to him. (Sanjay Maru/CTV News Windsor)However, according to Osborn, a member of Hamilton's Stewart family "used his connections" to purchase it for his wife for Christmas that year.
"I actually bought it from Mr. Stewart almost 60 years ago," recalls Osborn.
Since 1963, Osborn has owned the vehicle, taking it on drives with his children and grandkids.
"I've had this car 60 some-odd years. It was born in Windsor. This is where it was built. So I thought it only fitting that it starts in Windsor to do its last journey," he says. "Henry is the name that I've given the car and Henry's taking its last trip across Canada...for me, it's my last big journey too."
The idea for a father and son, cross-country drive sparked about six months ago, according to Obsorn's son Michael Ludwig.
"He's not going to be able to make too many more long trips, so we thought, 'let’s do something with each other [and] have a nice little bonding trip,’" says Ludwig.
He added, "While we're doing it, we can raise little extra money for cancer and try to help out other people."
But before the two could set off toward British Columbia, Osborn's classic car needed to be restored so it could handle the long drive.
The car was handed over to London-based Weedmark Classic Cars, according to owner James Weedmark.
The father-son duo will be making stops in various cities along the way, showcasing the history of the car and asking for donations to support costs associated with the journey and the Canadian Cancer Society. (Sanjay Maru/CTV News Windsor)"It's one of those nerve-wracking things where you want to make sure everything is perfect. It's a long distance," says Weedmark.
The biggest challenge of restoring the vehicle, Weedmark says, was finding the necessary parts for it since the vehicle was built 95 years ago — ten years before Osborn was born.
But with the assistance of companies in Canada and the U.S., along with local mechanics, the restoration was a success.
"Everybody came together because the cause is awesome. It's an awesome experience. You get an opportunity to work on something you may never see again," says Weedmark.
Following the restoration, the Ford Model A was brought to Windsor’s Performance Ford dealership where Osborn and Ludwig started their cross-country journey — spanning more than 4,000 kilometres.
The father-son duo plans to make stops in cities along the way, sharing Osborn's story, raising awareness about the importance of supporting cancer research and asking for donations through a QR code posted on the vehicle.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.