Harvey Linton and his family will be honoured at the Investors Group Walk for Memories at the Richmond Oval this Sunday.
The event, one of more than 20 around the province, supports the Alzheimer Society of B.C. Being honoured provides a really good opportunity to let people know more about dementia, says Harvey’s wife, Fran.
“I think it’s really helpful to have people understand what it’s like living with somebody having dementia because it is so different,” she said.
Harvey, who worked as a commercial fisherman before retiring from a long career with WorkSafe BC in Richmond in 2006, was diagnosed with Lewy body dementia in 2010.
“For people who know Harvey, I think everybody has said he is the last person we would ever expect to get dementia,” she said, adding he’s done everything right from exercise, to diet, to using his mind, to being a moderate drinker.
The family, which now lives in Tsawwassen, got a referral from its family doctor to an elder clinic at Delta Hospital and then a referral to a medical facility where it got the official diagnosis.
Fran said she contacted the Alzheimer Society of B.C., which helped the family with workshops, a support group and presentations.
“The more education you get, the more understanding you have,” she says.
Chad, one of the Linton’s two sons, describes the support from the society as going from not knowing how to sort yourself out or a sense of vertigo to focus, control and the idea that you’re not alone in dealing with this.
The dementia has had a “huge” impact on the family. “It changes your whole life,” said Fran.
Thinking about what Harvey’s doing and how he’s doing it is always in the back of your mind, added their son, Carl.
Quite often, he’ll put the kettle on for tea or coffee, then go into backyard to do yard work and totally forget about the kettle, Carl explained.
The family works as a team to always have someone available to be with Harvey.
They have a really good support system, said Fran.
“The kids are incredible. The Alzheimer Society has been incredible. Our neighbours are incredible.”
The Walk for Memories takes place Sunday, Jan. 25 at the oval, with a DJ, door prizes, coffee, tea and snacks.
Registration starts at 9 a.m., the event goes from 10 to 11:30 a.m. To register or donate, visit walkformemories.com.
