At 95 years young, Bert Wiens’ cheerful persona still fills the air of the curling rink — though now it’s 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 wasn’t just a milestone — it was a farewell to a beloved pastime that had defined so much of his later years.
“I officially retired from curling at Christmas,” Bert said with a chuckle. “But they had me come out on my birthday to throw one last rock. I couldn’t say no to that.”
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, Bert’s enthusiasm for life was evident long before he first stepped onto the ice.
A talented saxophone player, Bert led “Bert’s Best,” a musical band that graced stages for years before his transition into retirement and discovery of curling.
“I retired from the band and started curling,” Bert recalled. “It gave me something new to look forward to.”
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 hasn’t diminished.
He remains a regular visitor, cheering from the stands and enjoying the camaraderie of the sport he loves.
“We [curling club] operate four days a week now, and I go every day,” 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.
“At 95, I’m getting a little wobbly,” he admitted. “I didn’t want to take the chance of having a fall and being disabled. And I am fortunate to be this age … I still drive my car and I go wherever I please.”
Bert’s zest for life extends beyond curling.
With a large family of over 40 — including five children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren — 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.
“I have a big family … we always have large family gatherings on New Year’s Day,” he said. “So we were all together.”
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 — through work, music, and curling — 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 he’s no longer gliding across the ice, Bert’s legacy in the curling community will be felt for years to come.
For Bert, it’s simple: “Life is good. And I don’t sit around much.”
