StarBuzz Weekly, Toronto-Markham, ON ~ October 28, 2011 ~ Markham firefighter Larry Pilkey passed away from a duty-related illness on Thursday, October 27, 2011. He passed away at his home with family at his side after a courageous battle with brain cancer, a recognized illness under the Workers Safety Insurance Board Presumptive Legislation Act for firefighters.
Larry joined Markham Fire and Emergency Services on January 5, 1987 as a recruit firefighter and worked out of various Markham fire stations throughout his 25-year career. In October 2010, Larry had a seizure while at work and was later diagnosed with a brain tumour and underwent surgery in November.
“Markham Council offers its deepest condolences to Firefighter Larry Pilkey’s family and friends,” said Mayor Frank Scarpitti. “A dedicated Markham firefighter for his entire career, Larry Pilkey was an exemplary representative of our community and his absence will be felt by Markham Fire and Emergency Services and our community.”
“This is the second line of duty death of a Markham Firefighter as the result of an occupational illness identified in the presumptive legislation,” said Chief Bill Snowball. “Larry was a valued colleague and a very dear friend. He never gave up hope that he would someday return to the fire hall and his beloved profession as a firefighter, and continued to fight his cancer to the end.”
During his career, Pilkey protected the citizens of Markham with excellence, perseverance and passion. He was most recently located at the Unionville station.
“Larry will be missed by all members of the Markham Professional Firefighters Association,” said MPFFA President Walter Brinston. “He was the type of person who was loved by all. If you knew Larry you would like him. He never had a bad thing to say about anyone and gained your respect and friendship through his humour and natural leadership ability.”
Firefighter Larry Pilkey leaves behind wife Louise and sons Luke and Jake. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this very difficult time.
Funeral arrangements have not yet been confirmed.
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