Last month we had the honour to accompany Ray Crook out for his 101st birthday supper.
Lisa and I took him out for his 99th and we attended his 100th. His 100th was a big celebration with lots of his friends and dignitaries.
The conversation was good as it always is with Ray. It seems we always learn something. He enjoys talking history and told us some tales of Kootenay National Park where his family had a service station at what is today, Crook’s Meadow.
Ray also talked fondly of my Grandfather and Father. He and my Father cut trail throughout the Park when they were young men, boys really. Many of those trails they cut, such as Floe Lake and Marble Canyon, are now used by many people.
Ray liked going to Strand’s Restaurant for fish and chips. Unfortunately, it recently closed so we went to Elements at Copper Point Resort. Lisa and I thought it was a good choice because we knew they served fish and chips, not that Ray eats a lot; he does, however, like his ice cream.
Many people came over and wished Ray a Happy Birthday! A little girl came over to see what was written on his dessert, when she saw 101 she had a look of amazement!
We were treated to dinner by one of Ray’s old friends Bernice Hathaway, a long time local, who now lives at the coast. She said, she only wished she could be there. She stays in touch with Lisa and Ray and was insistent she pay for our dinner out. There was no arguing with her, as often is the case when it comes to the generosity of her and Ray’s generation.
Ray enjoys good health, a sharp mind, likes to laugh and can still climb into my truck on his own, which he always remarks is very quiet. We should all be so lucky.
Palliser Pass 
Jim R
We should all be so lucky…indeed. 🙂
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underswansea
Yes.
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Carol A. Hand
Such a wonderful tribute to Ray. ❤
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underswansea
Thank you. He is a remarkable man.
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mountaincoward
Absolutely wonderful – he looks really full of life and definitely not 101! What a great guy!
That gives me a bit more hope than I’ve had recently. Both my friend (who’s now her mother’s carer) and I have been saying, after watching our parents who are just 90, that they’re not advertising being in your 90s to us at ALL! They’re struggling so badly and getting into a car is a 10 minute job for my Dad. My friend’s mother won’t set foot outside the house and certainly won’t get dressed. We’ve found it really depressing. I’ll have to show her this post!
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underswansea
Ray is a wonder. He has so much knowledge and loves to pass it on.
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Julie@frogpondfarm
Happy birthday Ray! 🎈 Great post Bob …
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underswansea
Thanks Julie. Ray is a great guy. Is the Frog Pond’s correspondents shutter stuck? 🙂
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Julie@frogpondfarm
I think that correspondent is slacking off again! 😃
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