A life or death matter: Alberta man dies of cancer before seeing oncologist [Video]

Mark Agnew describes his father, Don, as a self-made man who built his own construction company from the ground up. But he believes it was his dad’s relationships with people that were his top priority.

“He wanted to do his best and just be seen as a helpful person,” Mark Agnew said. “If there was a problem, he was the first one there to find a solution for a client or for friends or family.

“My dad was a people person first. He always valued relationships first above and beyond anything else.”

Don Agnew, 69, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in February 2023. He received the results of a biopsy, but never had a follow-up with an oncologist.

The Cross Cancer Institute in Calgary eventually called the Agnew family in April 2023 to set up a follow-up appointment.

Don, however, didn’t make it to the appointment, according to his son. …