Pals rebuild man’s ride to reward generosity
FORT MCMURRAY In a Walmart parking lot, the family and friends of Marty Frost surprised the Fort McMurray man with a reunion that left him speechless.
About a dozen trucks coming from a Western Canadian Powerstrokes (WCP) meetup — with Frost in tow — piled into the back section of the parking lot and waited. And as Frost’s own rebuilt lifted silver F350 pulled up, it was clear the ruse was a success.
Off work since undergoing his third hernia surgery in early 2016, Frost could not afford the roughly $15,000 price tag for repairs to his truck. It was towed to a friend’s shop, Santech Diesel Performance, in St. Paul. However, Frost’s close friend, Blair Watson, arranged for the truck’s engine to be rebuilt.
“This is a thank you to Marty for everything he’s done … he’s always there to lend a hand, to help anyone that needs it,” said Watson, standing next to a teary-eyed Frost.
“I can’t believe what they did,” Frost said, nearly speechless. “It’s been almost three years since I’ve driven (my truck).”
The surprise was a gift for Frost’s actions during the summer, when several communities in B.C. were evacuated because of wildfires. He and his girlfriend, Tamara Laverdiere, were instrumental in co-ordinating one of the biggest donation drives for displaced victims. A 48-foot semi truck parked at the back of the Walmart parking lot was needed to carry all the donated supplies.
Santech owner Scott Noel said he was happy to be involved, adding Frost is a great friend and an even better community member.
“I’ve seen Marty help tons of people, especially with the Fort Mac wildfire and B.C. (fires),” Noel said. “I had a very good last quarter due to the support of many WCP members, so I thought donating the work and parts Marty did not already have would be a great way of giving back.”
In addition to large-scale aid trips at home and out of province, Frost said he is most looking forward to using his truck for “rescue missions” to help others whose vehicles are stuck in less-than-ideal places and need a tow.
“I just can’t wait to pay it forward,” Frost said.