I slid safely into 60 earlier this year. Some say I look 50 while others toss digs my way about finding a luxury seniors’ home or joining a co-ed carpet bowling league.
I tell the jokers that I feel privileged to have made it this far. I attended celebrations of life for four wonderful men last year. None of them celebrated their 60th birthday and I miss all of them: Mike Lloyd, Neil McPhie, Norm Amiel and Tom Frame.
Looking back, it has been a rocky ride at times, but one without regrets. I spent time in hell for a spell in my early 30s, so much so that I am not afraid to die at all. Just let me make it to 90 and we’re good, Lord.
I changed my cognitive thinking, stopped letting people intimidate me and tried to be positive at every turn. The late, great Peter Godrey, a managing editor and father-figure to me while I was a 20-year-old sports editor at the Kelowna Daily Courier, told me I had to “look out for No. 1” to be happy in life. I wasn’t sure what he meant, but years later I was able to live that philosophy without losing any kindness, thoughtfulness or warmth my loving parents had taught their four sons.
My bestie since we met at Lakeview Park after a Little League game at age 13 is Jim Sparrow. He built a highly successful electrical company from the ground up with countless hours of nightly office time and attention to detail. He, my parents and my late uncle Denny, killed by a drunk driver 10 years ago in Palm Springs, have been my heroes. They treat the CEO like they treat the janitor.
I was there for Jim when his dad Gerry died of cancer when he was far too young. He was there for me when my life went sideways after a series of sad events on Vancouver Island.
We are truly here to see one another through and not see through one another. I make sure I give everybody who greets me at a Vipers game or at a coffee shop the time of day. Neither of us may be around the next day.
I knew back in Grade 9 that I wanted to be a sportswriter. Packing mud for a few weeks with my uncle Den and my grandfather Andy on a stucco and masonry job was the clincher: no manual work for me, thank you.
The Morning Star is my fifth newspaper. I’ve been here 26 years and having attended Silver Star, Fulton and Vernon Senior Secondary schools, I have a strong sense of community. My folks have made a major impact on this city and I have enjoyed following their lead through service and volunteerism.
Such unpaid work keeps you moving, thinking and satisfied. I’m 60 but I’m not done trying to make Vernon a better place. I will help run the Okanagan Sports Hall of Fame until they run out of teams and athletes to honour.
My youngest of three wonderful kids will age out after next hockey season so I will step up and coach one more year. Jim and I began coaching in Grade 12 through Deloy Routley’s Community Rec class and we’ve been hooked ever since. Having a young man shake your hand, look you in the eye and call you coach 20 years after you last saw him is a rewarding moment.
Anyway, I’m here to tell you I may be 60 and playing the back nine, but I’m not putting a downpayment on any TSN Seniors Complex room just yet. I’ve got things to do.