Irwin Barker…Husband, Father, Son, Extremely talented stand up comedian, writer for the Rick Mercer Report and a wonderful human being who is currently fighting cancer.

I first heard Irwin speak about living with cancer on the CBC radio show, “Sounds Like Canada” earlier this year. His interview was truly heart warming. Speaking about how he first learned he had the disease, to how he wanted to continue to live. Never having regrets about not telling his children that he loved them because he was the kind of Dad he always wanted to be.

Talking about his love for his wife Joanna and how she has been there as a true life partner though this new journey-path his cancer was now taking them on.

Immediately after hearing this interview, I emailed Irwin to let him know that I was truly inspired by not only his words but his actions on how he chose to live with cancer. Within a few hours he responded back to me…to thank me for taking the time to send him an email. I told him about my son’s involvement in the Typically Canadian Tribute Tour and a fundraiser that was planned for London, Ontario on April 5th. He immediately offered his services to be our guest comic for the evening. Irwin allowed his gift of humour to contribute to our fundraiser, touching over 200 people that night with a performance that will never be forgotten.   At the event Irwin was presented as a Yellow Jersey Honouree and an honourary rider in the 2008 Typically Canadian Tribute Tour for his dedication to Typically Canadian and for his involvement in the cancer community. 

Irwin continues to work on raising money for the Canadian Cancer Society through his upcoming  Irwin Barker and Friends Comedy Show tour.

Irwin Barker’s courage and commitment in the fight against cancer, makes him not only one of the finest people I have ever met but a true Typical Canadian.

The Typically Canadian Group is riding with Irwin Barker and Friends...

Who are you riding with?