For proof that 90 is the new 60, you need look no further than Huntsville resident Ken Raven. At 93, he still regularly hits the slopes at Hidden Valley Highlands Ski Area and the links at Deerhurst. So when Molson put out a call for nominations for great Canadians for Canada’s 150th, his sister-in-law, Pam Welsh, knew he should be one of them.
Ken Raven with his sister-in-law, Pam Welsh
Her nomination read:
“Can you imagine a 93-year-old man flying down a ski hill in Huntsville Ontario and leaving men half his age scratching their heads and wondering how does he do it? He follows a successful day on the slopes with a couple of Molson Canadian beer. I’m not saying it’s the beer that gives him that robust giddy up and go everyday but I know it certainly is something he looks forward to.
“Now take that same 93-year-old and put him on a golf course almost every day in the summer and that’s what he does the other half of the year. Guess what he likes to follow a golf game with. . . a Molson Canadian beer or two especially on those hot summer days.
“But I’m not nominating him because he skis, golfs and likes Molson Canadian. What else you ask is this amazing guy up to? Well several years ago when his granddaughter was very young he taught her to ski. As a result of that shared enthusiasm and love for skiing, in 2014 his granddaughter, Dara Howell, won a gold medal for freestyle skiing for CANADA at the Sochi Olympics. They celebrated the win with a Molson Canadian beer. He quite a guy and quite a Molson beer enthusiast!”
Molson agreed that he’s a pretty amazing guy and selected Ken along with 149 other nominees as its Great Canadians picks for Canada’s sesquicentennial. The prize? A customized, full-size Molson Canadian beer fridge, of course, which now proudly sits in the Ravens’ kitchen.
“Our neighbours came down with some Molson Canadian and we christened it,” laughs Ken’s wife, Sandy. “He loves it and is inviting everyone for beer.”
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We must mention the radar race at Hidden Valley’s Men’s Day on “The Face” our steepest hill. Ken in a paper thin racing suit wiped out and went to the hospital. The doctor said, “and how old are you”? He’s still going strong!
Mike Stevens
Congratulations Ken!
You are an inspiration to young and old.
If you enjoy the privilege of calling Ken a friend then you know there is no better choice than him for this great recognition…way to go Ken!!
Congratulations! If you ever want to sell that fridge, I know a guy who may be interested…
Ken, you really are a marvel. Pam didn’t mention bridge as one of your accomplishments. Prove it to us tonight as we lift a Molson beer in your honour. Congratulations to you too, Sandy.
Was there ever any doubt that Ken Raven is one of Canada’s most amazing human beings? Always a smile, always a hello and a kind word. He is a inspiration and am proud to know this amazing guy!!!
Congratulations Ken and greetings to Sandra. You are still the same energetic man you were when I met you just over 60 years ago.
Love,
Chris Martin Smith
Congratulations Ken your a man to admire for always a smile and a chat. Way to go!
Hey ken
Perhaps you should once again take up flying WHY NOT my friend
Congratulations
See you on the slopes in December
Cheers
Douglas woollings
Cheers to an amazing guy! Well deserved Ken.
What a great story. Congratulations to both Ken And Sandy. We will toast your continued health at the Canada 150 Concert in the park tonight. Maybe with a Molson! Bill and Sher McGrath
How awesome is this?? Way to go Ken. You are truly, a one of a kind Canadian….be it Molson’s or otherwise… Congratulations!!