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Photo by Photo courtesy Gord Townley.

Vervaeke’s mother, Nancy Delsey, and his partner Kim Carey said that his nickname was “Wheelsman” and that he will be remembered by his large family for his infectious smile, huge heart and helping hands. His daughter Abby, who is turning 15 in August, was always Vervaeke’s top priority.

“If he sees somebody needing him, he would always attend to them first,” Delsey said.

Vervaeke, a mechanic, took an interest in charity rides five years ago after his mother, grandfather and cousin were diagnosed with cancer.

One time, he went over a bump and his seat fell off — but that didn’t stop him. He crossed the finish line with his seat in his hand.

“He had to stand up the whole time, but he got across that line,” Delsey said. “He’s determined, that’s for sure.”

After the fatal accident, Carey wanted to help Vervaeke finish his last race.

She gave his jersey to one of the riders who visited the hospital, and he carried it for the last five days of the race.

“So he got to finish,” she said.

On his personal fundraising page, Vervaeke wrote that he was riding because he is “passionate about the cause.”

“This ride is my way of doing my part to help find a better treatment and eventually a cure for the disease,” he wrote.

Photo by Photo courtesy Nancy Delsey

The OPP has charged Robert Saunders, a 51-year-old Kingston man, with two counts of dangerous driving causing bodily harm. The OPP said Monday that they will not be releasing any more information about the incident, including whether or not charges have been updated in the wake of Veraeke’s death.