by Stephen Dafoe
Engines revved Saturday afternoon as more than 100 riders departed from Kilroy’s Pub in Legal for the annual Erin Doyle Memorial Poker Run. All proceeds from this year’s event go to Kids with Cancer.
Master Corporal Erin Doyle, who was with the 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, was killed in southern Afghanistan Aug. 11, 2008 when insurgents attacked his command outpost in the Panjwaii district. It was his third tour in Afghanistan.
But while the soldier and the man may be gone, his memory lives on in the hearts of those who knew him and those who knew only the kind of man he was.
“Erin Doyle was a monster of a man,” said organizer and Veterans’ Paratroopers Motorcycle Club Prairies Chapter President Kevin Lloyd. “He cast a big shadow, and he had a heart like a teddy bear. He loved his brothers, and he’s got brothers amongst us today because he gave his life. He gave his life for his brothers. And that’s what it’s about, and any veteran that’s here today – they know that.”
Legal Town Councillor Trina Jones recalled the effect Doyle’s death had on the community and the importance of the annual motorcycle event.
“It’s rides like this that help us remember that [sacrifice] and gives them [soldiers] the support they need to ask for that help from societies like Wounded Warriors and from you guys who’ve been there and done that,” Jones said.
Amounts raised from Saturday’s event were not available by press deadline.
VIDEO COVERAGE
Here is our coverage of today's Erin Doyle Memorial Poker Run. Lots of riders, lots of great words about Doyle, and all proceeds went to Kids with Cancer. Be sure to tag any riders you know who took part.
Posted by MorinvilleNews.com on Saturday, 22 August 2015
IF VIDEO DOES NOT APPEAR, CLICK HERE
