Sandy McLaughlin - May He Rest in Peace

Hi my name is Julie Milward. It is with great sadness that I share with you the passing of my dear friend Sandy.

For those of you who know the story of Sandy and I, you will understand our unusual yet ever so special friendship.

I befriended Sandy in the spring of 2019. He was the man sitting in the bus shelter across from Cambridge Hospital where I worked. The fellow who carried his world in a cart, never bothered anyone and left no trace of his existence.

We all saw him but noone looked, myself included. For that I feel deep regret that I didn't look sooner.

With a morning coffee and a "hello", I soon realized Sandy was not only homeless, but deaf and surviving in a world alone!

In November 2019 after many sleepless nights, knowing my new friend was sleeping on a bench and had nowhere to call his own, my mission began. We moved Sandy into the Super 8 motel for as long as we could afford. It was there we began our fight for proper shelter for this kind, generous man who had a heart of gold!

It took all I had to sustain this fight, and along the way was given strength by so many people who soon became

"Sandys' Village" and to these people I am forever grateful.

On December 20, 2020, we experienced a Christmas Miracle! Supportive Housing called with a proper home for Sandy!

An senior's apartment complete with running water, a roof, and all the conveniences we take for granted!

He was in his warm cozy home for Christmas Day 2020!

I reach out today to "Sandy's Village" for one final request for support of my dear friend.

I received a call from Waterloo Regional Police last week to say my dear friend has passed, peacefully and probably while making a grilled cheese (one of his new found luxuries!)

Sandy is in need of a proper goodbye - and unfortunately his accounts do not allow for this. I reach out today for your assistance which will allow me to bring Sandy home from Toronto Forensic Sciences and back to Cambridge for cremation and a proper resting place-

It is the least he deserves -- A final resting place after living a life of struggle and challenges. May He Rest in Peace

It was during this life changing experience that I took on this beautiful quote:

"I ALWAYS WONDERED WHY SOMEBODY DIDN'T DO SOMETHING ABOUT THAT. THEN I REALIZED I AM SOMEBODY".

Thank you to all who have supported Sandy