By Kerry J Newstead
The Haldimand Press
PORT DOVER–There were plenty of low spots during the nearly seven weeks and 5,000 kilometres that Dan Johnson cycled across western Canada, through the Rockies, across the Prairies and through northern Ontario.
The Prairies were a particular challenge, with the long, flat kilometres and headwinds, but also, “I was dealing with a little bit of a bike issue; I could not diagnose what the mechanical problem was, and at the same time, my left knee was starting to act up,” said Johnson. “In those moments, it was a little bit overwhelming.”
But he persevered, because he wasn’t cycling for himself – it was all about honouring the memory of his son, Luke.
He wasn’t alone on the road, either; besides the memory of Luke, Johnson’s support team included his wife, Jill, driving an RV from stop to stop, and their two children, Hosanna and Pearce.
PORT DOVER—Constable Andrew Gamble of the OPP rode alongside Dan Johnson during the last leg of the journey from Port Ryerse. 
PORT DOVER—Both Dan Johnson and his son Luke were inspired by Terry Fox. When Johnson arrived at the Terry Fox memorial just outside Thunder Bay, he added this decal to both his bike and to Luke’s bike. 
PORT DOVER—Tina Zelem (left) with helper Carrie Hopkinson; Zelem had the idea for the community to create a painting of love for the Johnsons upon their return. 
PORT DOVER—The Lasanowski family were among those who added their thumbprint hearts to the painting that was given to the Johnson family as a memento of the day. —Haldimand Press photos by Kerry J Newstead.
Bolstering the Johnson family’s spirits throughout their journey was seeing the ongoing support from the community, particularly as the fundraising totals for the Norfolk Haldimand Community Hospice (NHCH) kept on moving up.
“Seeing the number continue to move, it meant the project was worth it, and we were actually connecting with people – not just in their minds, but in their hearts, and they were moved to get behind to get behind this and to help build this hospice,” Johnson said.
As Johnson previously told The Press, Luke – who passed away at the age of eight in July 2024 – had greatly admired Terry Fox. Two weeks before he passed, he told his family that he wanted to finish Fox’s cross-country trek. While Luke wasn’t able to realize that dream, his dad decided to take up the mantle to raise funds to help build the local hospice.
While the family was deeply grateful for the care Luke received through the Stedman Community Hospice in Brantford, “We need a hospice,” said Johnson, who lives in Port Dover. “We need a palliative care centre in Haldimand and Norfolk. We have 120,000 residents and we don’t have a hospice.”
Inspired by Luke’s story and Johnson’s efforts, community members donated over $300,000 – including one anonymous gift of $25,000.
Johnson and his family received a hero’s welcome as they completed their journey on Sunday, August 17. Over 150 cyclists joined Johnson in Port Ryerse to cycle the last few miles back home to Port Dover. Johnson traded in his fiber carbon bike for Luke’s small BMX bike for the final leg of the adventure.
The ride ended at Lion’s Park; the streets were lined with cheering well-wishers, and hundreds more were at the park.
NHCH Executive Director Andrea Binkle expressed deep gratitude for the support that had been shown for the hospice throughout the fundraiser.
“We are really excited that Dan Johnson is on his way home after being away since July 1,” she said.
Part of the homecoming celebration included a painting that was the brainchild of Tina Zelem. Throughout the afternoon, people could have their thumbs painted so they could make little hearts on a black canvas. In the centre, there were spots reserved for the Johnson family, their parents and other family members.
When asked what it was like for him to see the Port Dover sign again after being away from home for so long, Johnson said, “Signs don’t mean much to me, but people … seeing the people of the town of Port Dover, it was pretty overwhelming, fantastic. We live in a really, really tremendous area of Canada, of the world,” he said.
“We have fantastic people. Seeing all those people, friends; seeing that they took time out to say hi … It’s just one of the best human experiences that one could have – loving people, and be loved in return.”
And speaking of deep love, Johnson shared that the first thing he wanted to do after the public celebration was to enjoy a reunion with a special member of the family: Grace the dog.
You can still donate to the hospice via the Live Like Luke campaign; visit livelikelukejohnson.com.
