If you've ever watched TV in Canada, you know The Canadian Tire Guy. He's the fellow who's always ready to help his neighbours, always eager to show them (and us) the newest gizmo or gadget from that Mecca of do-it-yourselfers, Canadian Tire. What's that you say? Your wrench keeps slipping? Try the Robo-Grip Pliers! You say your windshield wipers are worn out? Try these deluxe wiper blades from Canadian Tire, only $9.99! Say, that driveway looks pretty dirty. Let me clean it with my power-washer jet-pack combo unit. And when we're done here we can tackle that deck of yours!

So a lot of Canadians have less than positive feelings for TCTG. Why is that? Perhaps because he's just a bit too knowledgeable. He's the man's Martha Stewart...he has cooler tools and apparently unlimited time in which to use them. He's so relaxed he can come over and help you paint your house, so long as you let him use the handy new paint sprayer he just bought. Yeah, TCTG knows more about tools than you. But you're above petty jealousy, and that's why you're a fan of the helpful handyman.

Sadly, The Canadian Tire Guy will no longer be shilling for the red triangle. All good things must come to an end, and the commercial series has been cancelled. Who will be there to tell us about the cool new products available at Canadian Tire? Who's going to loan us an articulated ratchet when we have to loosen those hard-to-reach bolts? Most of all, who's going to help me clean out the garage?

Like any famous, rock-star personality, The Canadian Tire Guy has been elusive to photographers. The above is about the only picture I could find with one Google search. Do you have more? I want to collect images and Canadian Tire Guy stories - How has he helped you? How has your life been made better by his kindly and generous advice? Come to The Canadian Tire Guy Fan Club Yahoo group and share your precious TCTG moments!