Everybody on the 3800-block of West 18th Avenue in Vancouver knows Bill Davies. He’s the man who always wants to know how they’re doing and how he can help.

“We always called him the mayor of the block,” neighbour Chris Donaldson told CTV News. “When I moved in 10 years ago, he came by before we’d even unloaded the car. He introduced himself and told me everybody’s story on the entire block.”

So with Davies in palliative care during the final stages of terminal cancer, neighbours knew they were running out of time to give back to the man who had given their block so much over 57 years.

Earlier this week, the neighbourhood held a block party to honour Davies and his wife Shirley with a “key to the block” and a certificate of appreciation signed by Mayor Gregor Robertson.

And, since Bill Davies couldn’t be at home to see the plaque installed in his yard, the neighbourhood brought the award -- and the party -- to him at the hospital.

“He was clearly touched,” Donaldson said. “But I think we were just as touched to be able to finally give something back to him.”

Davies is known for organizing neighbourhood parties -- block party chili cookouts, Halloween parties, and mini-parades, among other gatherings -- and for taking a keen interest in neighbourhood goings on. He also keeps an eye on his neighbours’ properties when they’re out of town, and has been known to mow their lawns when they’ve been unable to.

In Davies’ absence, the block has learned from his example. Neighbours have been mowing his lawn since early in his illness.

“I don’t think I’ve cut my grass in the last four or five months,” Davies said. “These guys are doing it.”

It’s clear that Davies means a lot to the residents of West 18th Avenue. Neighbour John Beach described him as “the glue” that holds the community together.

“He’s a very caring person,” said neighbour Jerry Couling. “He’s always willing to help.”

Those who live on the block are quick to cite Davies as the inspiration for its unique character. It’s a place where everyone knows their neighbours and takes a genuine interest in each other’s lives, and they say that’s because of Bill and Shirley Davies.

But the man himself remains humble about that legacy. Asked what makes the neighbourhood so special, he passed the praise to his friends:

“The people in it,” he said.

“We all care about each other,” Shirley Davies added.

With a report from CTV Vancouver’s Sheila Scott