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Memorial drive-by honours Robin Mercer-Sproule

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Vehicles rolled through the streets of Yellowknife Saturday as residents offered their final goodbyes to acclaimed northern athlete and cancer research advocate Robin Mercer-Sproule.

Mercer-Sproule, 56, died May 16 after after a lengthy battle with breast cancer.

RELATED COVERAGE: Robin Mercer-Sproule, a storied and accomplished Northern athlete, passes away 

RELATED COVERAGE: In her own words: Yellowknife sports legend Robin Mercer-Sproule says farewell

People began meeting in their cars and trucks - some of the vehicles decorated - at the Fieldhouse just after noon on Saturday.

Organizers estimated there were well over 150 vehicles taking part.

"There were people of all phases of Robin's life," said Karen Brown, one of the many core organizers and volunteers of the event. "In the drive-by there was an old high school principal, members of her broomball group, hockey group as well as from her pool team and chemotherapy nursing team."

Still others included members from the Stanton Foundation, and co-workers from the Department Lands where she worked, Brown noted.

Brown said many of the decorated vehicles were a highlight of the event as people celebrated Robin's life.

"About six weeks ago, the Yellowknife Robins hockey team came out and we all gave a cheer in front of her home," Brown said. "At that time she said that when we celebrate her life, she wanted the colours red and white because she's a Canadian, and red, white and black for the Yellowknife Robins (colours)."

A celebration of life for Robin is expected next year, but a date hasn't yet been set.

A line of vehicles during the drive-by pass the Circle K Convenience Store on Franklin Avenue. Simon Whitehouse/NNSL photo

 

Blair and Kelly Weatherby decorated a semi-trailer truck with goalie pads.
Simon Whitehouse/NNSL photo
Didi Normandin, left, and Jo (Josephine) Lush stand out side one of the amazingly decorated vehicles at the beginning of the memorial drive-by for Robin Mercer-Sproule. Simon Whitehouse/NNSL photo

 

From left, Mike Enns, Contessa Stead, (centre), and Karen Brown get ready to lead the memorial drive-by motorbike. At right is Valerie Conrad on her peddle bike,
Simon Whitehouse/NNSL photo
Scott Yuill & Kelly McCarthy of the Harley's Hard Rock Saloon had a truck well decorated for the occasion.
Simon Whitehouse/NNSL photo

 

Family and friends gather for a group photo at Jeske Court following the drive-by of vehicles honouring Robin Mercer-Sproule on Saturday.
Simon Whitehouse/NNSL photo

 

Maureen Hans hands out a Remembering Robin memorial card to one of many vehicles that passed by Mercer-Sproule's home.
Simon Whitehouse/NNSL photo

 

A banner showcasing several photos from Mercer-Sproule's life was on display at the Jeske Park on Saturday.
Simon Whitehouse/NNSL photo

 

Mercer-Sproule's father Dave, left, looks on as Robin's wife Traci and Patty Olexin-Lang embrace.
Simon Whitehouse/NNSL photo

 

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