As the Rick Hansen Many in Motion tour made its way through the West Kootenay on Sunday, the oldest member of the cross-Canada medal bearer fraternity had a chance to take part in Crescent Valley.
Carl Catton turns 98 in June. On Sunday morning, the spry Crescent Valley senior rolled down Highway 6 in his scooter with the specially designed Canadian Mint medal around his neck.
“It was nice… what else can I say?” he told the Star after his short journey ended at the Crescent Valley Hall.
When the Many in Motion tour touched down in the Slocan Valley, it was 243rd day of the tour that started in Newfoundland in August. By the time it reaches Vancouver in a month from now, it will have passed through 600 communities, traveled 12,000 km and been passed between almost 7,000 Canadians.
Catton is the oldest person to participate in the relay to this point.
“I saw [Hansen] when he was in Vancouver,” he said. “He did a good job then. I’m happy to be part of it.”
With family and friends surrounding him and cheering him on, Catton’s enthusiasm had everybody smiling brightly on a gorgeous spring morning.
“Ninety-eight… with all my kids here,” he said. “What a great day.”