Barrie's Rothwell family is heartbroken following the death of their youngest of three sons, 19-year-old Liam.
But they’re so thankful to be surrounded by a caring community who shared the family’s emotional burden for more than a year as Liam battled cancer and the many who have provided financial and other support.
Liam died on Friday from osteosarcoma, which is the same type of bone cancer that afflicted Terry Fox.
In a touching Facebook post, John Rothwell thanked the local community for supporting the entire family as they struggled with Liam’s illness. He said his family is close and strong.
He also thanked his wife, Nicki and two older sons, Nathan and Devin, as well as the special people in their lives.
“It’s heartwarming,” John told BarrieToday of all the support Liam and his family have received.
Just last Thursday night, those involved in the Orillia Off-Road Recovery group on Facebook — which allows people who are stuck or broken down to reach out for off-road assistance if they need it — organized a drive-by parade in front of Liam’s south-end Barrie home.
The Rothwells’ family circle grew tighter as friends rallied after Liam became ill early in 2020.
“This is only a small thing for the family, we all wish we could just bring him back and do more and take away their pain,” said Kellie McNabb, Liam’s former teacher at Assikinack Public School in the city's Allandale neighbourhood.
McNabb launched a fundraising campaign on GoFundMe to help the family deal with expenses and decreasing income as Liam’s mom opted to discontinue her daycare business so she could care for her son at home.
The outpouring has been overwhelming with contributions from more than 300 people.
Family and friends have also been sharing information on a private Facebook page. There, friends organized a meal plan for the Rothwells. There have also been other fundraisers.
McNabb was gathering with others Monday who had taught at Assikinack during Liam’s time there to share memories of the young student.
“The community is incredible, how we’ve all come together and we’re all grieving with them,” said McNabb. “We are all connected — Allandale, Barrie, we’re just a big family.
“We’re crying with them, we’re mourning with them. I hope they can feel that and I hope it gives them a little bit of comfort," she added.
Liam’s dad described him as a kind and caring individual. The family mantra has been to always love and always take care of each other, but Liam extended that approach to those who surrounded him.
And friends have told his parents they always felt he was much older than his years.
“There’s really something about him that was just captivating” which other people have commented on as well, said his dad. “My wife did daycare and he was always a hit. He had that warmth about him.”
His dad thinks it could be that kindness he exuded, often offering to step in and help, that has prompted such an outpouring from the community along with the generosity.
Liam was an outdoors guy, said his father, but being the youngest of three children he had to wait until he was old enough to carry a pack with his own gear before he could go fishing and camping in Algonquin Park. And after having totally become addicted to fishing, Liam started building up his collection of equipment.
“Nicki (his mom) talks about this all the time. Liam wanted to do things on his own terms most of the time,” said John.
In recent days, Liam had been chilled and had some trouble with his medication, but on Friday he was warm for the first time in a while. And when the doctor visited that day, she said his heart was beating well and they thought they had a little more time.
“As soon as she was gone, that’s when he left,” John said. “That was kind of Liam — he beat his own drum, not in a bad way. He’s a great kid.”
The family hopes to hold a celebration of life, likely in the fall.
The GoFundMe page can be accessed by clicking here.
