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He was simply called the Bikeman. He was responsible for an annual rite of spring in the city for the last 33 years in which he gave away more than 1,700 new bicycles, helmets and locks to disadvantaged kids through Sun Youth. But he was never on hand for the presentations because he wished to remain anonymous.

And the bike donations — estimated to have cost more than $600,000 — were but the tip of the iceberg. The Bikeman provided other assistance to Sun Youth and created scholarships for students in need to Concordia University. He also helped local artists by commissioning them to undertake special projects.

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The Bikeman died Saturday at 93 after a lengthy illness. Those who had been aware of his philanthropy were sworn to secrecy about his true identity. But with his death, it can now be revealed his name was Avrum (Avi) Morrow, who, 70 years ago, founded Avmor, a manufacturer of cleaning and maintenance products for the industrial marketplace. The company may be best known for developing its own electric hand-dryer.