Don Cherry is facing the difficult reality of outliving one of his children.
The 90-year-old sports broadcasting legend’s daughter, Cynthia Margaret “Cindy” Cherry died unexpectedly at Trillium Health Centre, Mississauga, on Jul. 15, at 67 years old.
Don’s son, Tim Cherry, shared the news in a Facebook post on Thursday, describing his sister’s sudden passing as a “shock.”
“As most of you know, I wouldn’t be here today without Cindy and the Grace of God. Cindy donated one of her kidneys to me when both my kidneys failed, and I was on dialysis. She was only 18 years old and saved my life,” said Tim.
He said that Cindy lived a very charitable life. She established the Rose Cherry Home for Kids (now the Darling Home for Kids), which annually provides over 40,000 hours of respite, palliative, and residential care to families across Ontario.
Cindy raised hundreds of thousands of dollars and increased awareness of organ donation for the Kidney Foundation with the help of the WHL. She worked for animal rescue and founded the Don Cherry Pet Rescue Foundation, helping thousands of abused animals.
Tim confirmed that she was also a big part of Don Cherry’s Grapevine podcast.
Don released the first episode of his podcast on Nov. 19, 2019, just over a week after he was fired from Sportsnet for comments made on his show, Coach’s Corner, criticizing those who do not wear poppies.
“You people love — they come here, whatever it is, you love our way of life. You love our milk and honey, at least you could pay a couple bucks for poppies or something like that,” said Don. “These guys (veterans) pay for your way of life that you enjoy in Canada — these guys paid the biggest price.”
Coach’s Corner began in 1982 and its growth saw Don Cherry become one of Canada’s most well-known personalities. The 2004 CBC show, The Greatest Canadian, featured a viewer-selected top-ten list which included the former NHL player and coach.
Hockey Night in Canada’s ratings crashed after Don’s firing, declining 18% between Dec. 14 2018 and 2019.
An obituary for Cindy on a funeral home website said donations could be made to Don Cherry’s Pet Rescue Foundation in her memory.
The website also allows people to sign an online guestbook to offer condolences.
Canadians from coast to coast have already signed the guestbook. Some of them knew her personally, whereas others said they felt they knew her as listeners and fans of the podcast. The signatures and accompanying comments spoke highly of Cindy and sent condolences to the Cherry family.
“It was such a privilege and joy to know Cindy. What a truly Wonderful Soul! Cindy will be so missed but her spirit will most certainly live on in those people and causes she cared about,” reads one signature from a friend.
“We’ll all miss our Sunday lunches and chats on the porch. Time to rest now Cindy, be at peace,” said Tim.
