It's not so much how you live your life, but the contribution that you make to the development of those around you. Wendell 'Big O' Ferguson was one of those individuals, who through his role as a track and field coach and physical fitness trainer, has left an impact on so many people in our society.

After a short illness with sarcoma cancer, Ferguson passed away on Sunday around 5 am in the Intensive Care Unit of the Princess Margaret Hospital. He was going through chemotherapy and was to eventually have surgery to amputate his right leg.

His long-time friend Inger Johnson, who spearheaded a committee called 'Friends of Big O' that organized a series of fund-raising events to assist Ferguson with his exorbitant medical expenses, said they are all relieved that he's out of his suffering.

"We had a meeting set for Thursday night to go over plans for the Goldie Oldies Night because we already had a date and a venue set," Johnson said. "We also had a dinner planned last Saturday for him to go over the walk-a-thon, but of course he couldn't make it because he was sick. God had other plans for him, so we can't argue that."

Johnson said she made a promise to Ferguson before he passed away that she will "stick with him to the end" and she intends to keep her promise through his family." Ferguson is survived by his daughter, Gabrielle, his siblings, Stencil 'Stoney', Willie, Dario, Levhon and Brendalee, two aunts, Doreen Campbell and Nora McClain and Henry Ferguson and a special friend, Tony Godet.

Yesterday as the news broke of his death, condolences were pouring in to the family as they gathered at Ferguson's home in Blair Estates. Click here to read more in The Tribune