Pat Irvine thought it would be the perfect birthday present for her Harley-loving husband and the HOG Harley Owners Group (HOG) Langley Chapter was more than happy to oblige.
Scott Irvine is battling stage 4 esophageal cancer that has now spread to his liver and lungs. He is now under palliative care. The couple were avid Harley Davidson motorcycle riders and Pat knew it was a passion her husband dearly missed.
It was back in May when she saw an article in the Optimist about the HOGs making trip to Tsawwassen to pay tribute to Liam Hance’s 11th birthday. Days earlier, he had tragically lost his father to COVID-19. Pat reached out to the chapter, hoping they could make a special visit to Ladner last Saturday (June 26), the same day as a small birthday party and backyard barbecue for Scott.
The sweltering heat put the party on hold for another day but it didn’t stop the HOG members from providing quite the spectacle outside the Irvine's home on Chestnut Crescent.
“They were very, very receptive to the idea and I was very impressed with the reception I got from them,” said Pat. “They rode down our street, did a complete loop around then parked their bikes. Each one of then came up to my husband and gave him their regards and a fist bump. They visited for about 20 minutes and I provided them all with a cold bottle of water which they happily accepted. They all were just awesome.”
The Langley HOG Chapter features Harley owners from throughout the Fraser Valley. There are regular weekly rides to a variety of destinations and special excursions to lift the spirits of others, like the trip to the Morris’ home.
“It’s a very caring group of people,” said member Owen Barclay. “It’s not something we go out of our way to do but if something comes across our plate then as a chapter we decide to do it.”
