LAKE FOREST (WLS) — A viral video shows a local family taking their grandfather and his wheelchair out for some ice skating.
It was little moment, but the family told ABC7 it brought him so much joy after his wife of many years entered hospice care.
The family invited ABC7 to be there Thursday as “Papa Chuck” celebrated turning 91.
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Chuck Ripp turned 91 years old and was with his family to mark the occasion. The suburban grandfather believes that remaining active is the secret to a long and satisfying life.
“I enjoy the outdoors, and I spend a lot of time out there,” Ripp said.
Papa Chuck, as the grandkids call him, is a bit of a thrill-seeker.
He loves ice skating with his sons in Lake Forest, and they had several rides at West Park ice rink this winter.
“I think his response when we got to the ice skating was like, ‘Oh okay, let’s go!'” son Joe Ripp said. “He’s always up for it.”
“No, I wasn’t scared, because I was in safe hands,” Chuck Ripp said.
Chuck first learned to skate on the Mississippi River, when he moved to study at a seminary in LaCrosse, Wisconsin.
That was before he met his wife cathy. The couple has been married for 65 years.
“Their approach is to live each day as if it were their last, and they truly embody this philosophy,” shared daughter Marie Josephitis. “They are cherished by many.”
“Our dating was always dances in Chicago.” Chuck Ripp said. “We went dancing… we both loved to dance!”
Gliding across the dance floor, and now the ice, with the sons he taught how to skate.
“My dad never allowed health issues to hold him back,” said Joe Ripp. “Even after undergoing two knee surgeries, he was out boogie boarding in New Smyrna Beach at the age of 80. He always had the attitude of ‘Let’s go’.”
On Thursday, there were presents, balloons and cake, but the best gift of all, Papa Chuck said is family.
“Well they make life worthwhile,” Chuck Ripp said. “They really do.”
Papa Chuck is planning to go to New Smyrna again next week, where he says he’ll be swimming in the ocean.
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