BEDFORD, NH — A dying man who’s wish was to see the new “Star Wars” movie had his wish come true with the hard work of some community volunteers.

Ron Villemaire, 69, is terminally ill, diagnosed earlier this year with stage-four colon cancer. His daughter Elizabeth Ngo had bought tickets well ahead of time to ensure she could take her dad — a lifelong Star Wars superfan — to see the new Star Wars movie, “The Last Jedi.”

But due to a recent decline in his health, there was no way he could go to the theater under normal conditions.

Elizabeth shared her story with local media and the response was instant and overwhelming. Bedford and New Boston Fire Departments went to work coordinating what would be needed to transport him from Bedford Hills Hospice to O’neil Cinemas in Epping, where the theater owner stepped in and offered to accommodate a hospital bed. Epping Fire coordinated transport of a hospital bed to the theater.

Slideshow by Jeffrey Hastings/Frame of Mind Photo

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Saturday morning Bedford Fire Department arrived at the hospice, with an assist from New Boston Fire, four Storm Troopers, and Darth Vader — members of the 501st New England Garrison, a local Star Wars costuming fan club.

Villemaire was transferred to a stretcher and escorted to the ambulance “under guard” of the Storm Troopers. His fellow hospice residents looked on in amazement as he was wheeled to the ambulance. Villemiere gave a salute to the Troopers and was off to the movies.

After a 30-minute ride to Epping Willemaire was greeted by the owners of the theater, as well as Epping Fire Department and a large crowd of relatives including his daughter Elizabeth. As he was wheeled in to the theater applause erupted from others in the movie theater, and a collection of Star Wars characters, courtesy of 501st lined the halls.

After a few thank-you handshakes and hugs Villemaire was transferred to the hospital bed, given a large tub of popcorn and was ready to enjoy the special movie with his family, friends and others.

In the end, Villemaire gave thanks to his daughter Elizabeth, for making it all come together. The force – of love, magnified by a caring community – was truly with her.

Below, watch Ron Villemaire’s reaction to the movie.

Dying wish in NH: Veteran Ron Villemaire reacts to special viewing of ‘The Last Jedi’ Video by Jeffrey Hastings/Frame of Mind Photo. Posted by Carol Robidoux on Vimeo.

Merry Christmas to all.