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Charley Greenleaf at home with his Bible at his side
Greenleaf with his wife, Dottie, of 64-years

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• 87-year-old man dead after being struck by vehicle

Reporter: Corinne Hautala

TUCSON (KGUN9-TV) – The family of a pedestrian killed Thursday morning say 87-year-old, Charley Greenleaf, died doing what he loved.

His daughter, Angela Greenleaf-Horn says he was known by many in the community as ‘Charley the Can Man.’ Everyday he’d walk along Ina Road collecting cans.

At times, his daughter says he could be seen carrying three to four bags filled with cans.  He collected the cans, she explained, to recycle in order to buy religious tracts. 

“He felt that that was really his calling to spread the word and he intended to do it until the day he died and he did,” she said.

With his small frame, age and an injury to his foot, Greenleaf’s family expressed their concern and suggested he quit.  He disagreed.

Greenleaf died Thursday on his morning walk, after being hit by a car on Thornydale just north of Ina Road. His wife of 64-years says he wouldn’t have wanted to go any other way.

“He was doing what he wanted to do when this happened to him, so I don't regret it. I'm grateful for where he is and what the Lord has done for us,” she said.

Greenleaf’s family says they’d like to talk with the driver of the SUV that hit him, to personally tell her that it is not her fault.  They expressed deep sadness when talking about her and what she may be going through.

Since, Greenleaf touched so many lives, many of which his own family is unaware of they have extended an invite to his memorial service to the entire community.

The service will be on Oct. 27 at Amphi Bible Church at 10:00 a.m.

The Greenleaf family can be reached via email TheCanManCharley@gmail.com