Moose Jaw’s Ron Durnin was a humble man who just wanted to give back and that turned into a $1.7 million donation at the Canadian Cancer Society.

Trina Owens, Manager of Estate and Gift Planning for the Canadian Cancer Society, first met Durnin in June of 2011.

Durnin’s wife, Frances, had just passed away from cancer and he had very little family. He approached the Canadian Cancer Society to have his entire estate gifted to the non-profit organization.

“I had no idea of the significant amount of his estate. He lived a simple life and the love he had for his wife, Frances was admirable. After her passing from cancer, he wanted to give back to something that was meaningful to him. He saw what we were doing in the community and knew his gift would make a difference,” Owens said.

Owens recalled him as a very low-key humble man.

When they had meetings it was over coffee at a coffee shop and nothing fancy. He wasn’t interested in recognition during his lifetime but mentioned after he was gone The Canadian Cancer Society could share his story to inspire others to give back. In an email, he wrote: “Frances and I were never what could be called big donors. Moderate maybe. She was the soft touch, not me.”

On Dec. 11, 2017, Durnin passed away and the process began of turning his estate over to the Canadian Cancer Society.

The cancer society received the final distribution this past January.Owens said Durnin didn’t leave his estate to anything specific, he wanted the funds used where it is needed most including cancer research and support programs.

She added the Canadian Cancer Society is very grateful for its legacy supporters like Durnin and, as a non-profit, its programs wouldn’t be possible without their donations