Richard Hewitt: Turning Loss into a Legacy of Hope
April 9, 2026
Found in General, Leave a Legacy, Philanthropy and Research, Planned Giving
“Prior to Lee’s illness, I didn’t even have a will,” admits Richard Hewitt, who despite being a long-time donor, hadn’t considered leaving a legacy gift to the BC Cancer Foundation.
That changed after Richard met legal advisor Sara Pedlow at a BC Cancer Foundation event, and she explained the benefits to both Richard’s estate and in sustaining future cancer research and care.
“Most individuals have a sense of how they wish to allocate their assets amongst their loved ones but it’s less common for them to have established ideas about legacy giving — even if they have given generously to charities throughout their lives,” says Sara.
“People are often surprised that they can include a charity alongside family and friends, and there’s flexibility in how to structure a gift or that it can be tied to a specific purpose.”
This resonated with Richard, who first began donating to the BC Cancer Foundation after his first wife, Margot, faced Hodgkin lymphoma in 1969 when they were still dating.
After Richard and Margot separated in the ’80s, they remained good friends and over the years Richard has continued to support cancer research — eventually through groundbreaking immunotherapy and its success in treating blood cancers — in her honour.
After Lee, Richard’s partner of 35 years, passed away in 2023, six months after being diagnosed with a rare endometrial cancer, he created the Lee Currell Gynecologic Cancer Research Fund.
A former nurse, dedicated volunteer at the Vancouver Sun Run and Rogue Folk Club and an avid pickleball player, Lee made friends wherever she went, says Richard. Thanks to her generous network, the fund has already raised almost half of its $500,000 goal.
“When I first started Lee’s fund, I never imagined it would intersect with my previous support of immunotherapy research,” says Richard. “But now with CAR T-cell therapy showing real promise in treating ovarian cancer, it’s coming together in a way that feels magical. Including a legacy gift in my will to the BC Cancer Foundation is how I can help ensure this work continues — and that Lee’s legacy, and the hope it represents, carries forward.”
“This is the power of legacy giving,” says Sara. “A gift in your will is a final opportunity to focus not on what you have, but on what you can achieve.”
Leaving a Legacy Gift 101
Everyone can make an impact. Even modest estates — last year, BC Cancer Foundation donors collectively contributed more than $20 million through their estate plans.
Build in flexibility. You can include a specific gift amount through your estate, or include a percentage of your estate which provides added flexibility.
Give in different ways. Consider cash, securities, registered plans like RRSPs or TFSAs, insurance policies or other assets.
Start a conversation. Speaking with a charitable organization ensures your wishes are honoured and creates a meaningful partnership with lasting impact.
Get expert advice. Your lawyer, financial planner or tax advisor can help structure a legacy gift that supports both your goals and your overall estate plan.
