Man With Terminal Cancer Gets Dying Wish: To See ‘The Last Jedi’

BEDFORD, NH — A local man’s wish – to see the new “Star Wars” movie before passing away – was granted this weekend with the help of the power of the Force – as well as his daughter, EMTs, and numerous volunteers across Southern New Hampshire. Ron Villemaire of Bedford is in hospice with Stage 4 colon cancer. Weeks ago, his daughter bought him tickets to see “Star Wars: The Last Jedi,” in order to ensure he saw the film before passing away.

But Villemaire – a huge Star Wars fan – suffered declining health in recent weeks and was unable to leave Bedford Hills, the hospice unit in Bedford where he is staying during his final days.

Volunteers – including local firefighters, family members, a local theater, and members of the 501st New England Garrison, a group of Star Wars actors that attends events around the region – heard about the situation. With the help of his daughter, Elizabeth Ngo, they organized an effort to help him get to see the film.

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On Saturday morning, Bedford and New Boston firefighters coordinated with storm troopers and Darth Vader to help Villemaire make the jump to light speed to the O’Neill Theaters in Epping – which offered to accommodate his hospital bed for a showing. Epping firefighters, relatives, and theater staffers got Villemaire acclimated while storm troopers, an ewok, Chewbacca, and reenactors stood by to ensure there was order in the galaxy while Villemaire enjoyed the film.

Villemaire thanked his daughter for all of her hard work.

“If you hadn’t put this out there, it would not have happened,” he said.

As far as the film itself, Villemaire called “The Last Jedi” his favorite, so far. He said the action in the film was unbelievable and that the storyline opened up so many doors to the future of a galaxy far, far away.

Images via Jeffrey Hastings/frameofmindphoto.com, used with permission.