At 95 years young, Bert Wiens91Ƶ cheerful persona still fills the air of the curling rink 91Ƶ though now it91Ƶs from the stands rather than the ice.
Earlier this month, the Beaver Valley Curling Club witnessed a historic moment as Bert, a dedicated curler of more than four decades, threw his final stone down the ice to mark his 95th birthday.
For Bert, this wasn91Ƶt just a milestone 91Ƶ it was a farewell to a beloved pastime that had defined so much of his later years.
91ƵI officially retired from curling at Christmas,91Ƶ Bert said with a chuckle. 91ƵBut they had me come out on my birthday to throw one last rock. I couldn91Ƶt say no to that.91Ƶ
Born on Jan. 13, 1930, Bert has spent much of his adult life in the Beaver Valley community, where curling became a passion after he retired from a 37-year career with Teck Cominco.
Though his curling journey began in the 1980s, Bert91Ƶs enthusiasm for life was evident long before he first stepped onto the ice.
A talented saxophone player, Bert led 91ƵBert91Ƶs Best,91Ƶ a musical band that graced stages for years before his transition into retirement and discovery of curling.
91ƵI retired from the band and started curling,91Ƶ Bert recalled. 91ƵIt gave me something new to look forward to.91Ƶ
For decades, Bert played at the Beaver Valley Curling Club, where he became a fixture both on and off the ice.
While his playing days are now behind him, his involvement with the club hasn91Ƶt diminished.
He remains a regular visitor, cheering from the stands and enjoying the camaraderie of the sport he loves.
91ƵWe [curling club] operate four days a week now, and I go every day,91Ƶ he said.
When asked why he chose to step away from the ice, Bert offered the practical wisdom of a man who has lived a full and thoughtful life.
91ƵAt 95, I91Ƶm getting a little wobbly,91Ƶ he admitted. 91ƵI didn91Ƶt want to take the chance of having a fall and being disabled. And I am fortunate to be this age 91Ƶ I still drive my car and I go wherever I please.91Ƶ
Bert91Ƶs zest for life extends beyond curling.
With a large family of over 40 91Ƶ including five children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren 91Ƶ he celebrated his milestone birthday surrounded by loved ones on the first day of the year, a family tradition that remains central to his life.
91ƵI have a big family 91Ƶ we always have large family gatherings on New Year91Ƶs Day,91Ƶ he said. 91ƵSo we were all together.91Ƶ
Originally from Saskatchewan, Bert moved to Fruitvale in 1951 with his wife Isabella.
Together, the newlyweds built a life in the community. He worked as a pipefitter at Teck and became a cherished figure in the Beaver Valley community.
Over the years, Bert has watched the town grow and change, but the connections he built 91Ƶ through work, music, and curling 91Ƶ have remained steadfast.
As Bert steps into this new chapter, his story serves as a powerful reminder that age is just a number.
And though he91Ƶs no longer gliding across the ice, Bert91Ƶs legacy in the curling community will be felt for years to come.
For Bert, it91Ƶs simple: 91ƵLife is good. And I don91Ƶt sit around much.91Ƶ