Courtesy: United Way/ YouTube
Walter Decker is nearly 99 years old. After his birthday later this month, for the third time, he will be taking on a challenge that even some of the most diligent step counters would not attempt.
On Oct. 21, Decker will climb the 1776 steps of the CN Tower, raising money for charity.
He began walking as a way to manage grief. Decker lost his first wife to illness after spending seven years as her primary caregiver. He told Now Toronto that he did eventually remarry, but lost his second wife as well after ten years together.
“I was grieving and needed a diversion. My family did not live in this area, and I’m alone. So, I needed something to keep my mind occupied,” he explained.
The Hamilton man spent time walking up the stairs of the city’s escarpment, which he says has about 390 steps. He eventually decided that he wanted to take on a greater challenge- climbing to the top of the CN Tower.
Decker was featured in a local newspaper article, explaining his plan and saying he wanted to find a cause to raise funds for along the way. He had initially wanted to fundraise for the hospital where both of his late wives had passed, St. Peter’s Hospital in Hamilton. But he explained they were not organizing fundraising events at the time.
Decker says that after the column was published, United Way contacted him and asked if he would like to participate in ClimbUp. At 91 years old, Decker first climbed the CN Tower in 2015. But that wasn’t enough, he then took on the tower again the following year.
This year, Walter Decker plans to conquer the challenge yet again. Joined by his son, grandson, and two great-grandsons, the team members will range in age from 16 to 99 years old, and Decker is looking forward to it.
“It’s a personal challenge,” Decker said, adding that it feels very good to support United Way.
Speaking of the legacy he hopes to leave, Decker said he wants to inspire others to stay active as they get older, saying it has kept him in good health.
“I don’t have any aches and pains. A lot of people are suffering from arthritis, and whatever, but I don’t have any of that. My muscles are constantly being used, like a well-oiled machine.”
