Montana Bowler, Veteran of Three Wars, Rolls a Perfect 100 (Years)

With Veterans Day coming up on Monday, the timing couldn't have been better to attend this ceremony.

Last month, I was contacted by my friend Robyn Barker, the general manager of Missoula's Westside Lanes and Fun Center. Robin told me about a member of their senior bowling league, Dick Moore, who was going to be honored at a ceremony Thursday, celebrating his 100th birthday, which occurred on November 4, and wondered if I'd be interested in stopping by.

To meet someone who is at an age most of us won't live to see? That's a pretty tough invitation to pass up.

I got to meet a retired (1964) U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel, a fighter pilot, who served his country in World War II, Korea and Vietnam. In fact, it was WWII that prevented him from accepting a scholarship to play football for Eastern Washington University.

The above photo is Dick's WWII squadron. He is in the front row, furthest left. Besides Spokane, Dick has spent many years in the Bitterroot Valley and is currently a resident at an assisted living center in Missoula.

Among the celebrants were children and grandchildren. Dick's daughter, Tricia, told me that even though he is hard of hearing, he is still sharp as a tack and as active as he can possibly be. The family gave me the example of him taking them on a whitewater rafting trip. Dick was 95 at the time! The whitewater guide told them that he is easily the oldest rafter they ever served.

Dick was also an avid golfer, and of course, still loves to bowl every week in league play.

He told me his highest bowling score ever was a 261. As far as him being still sharp as a tack, after getting to shake his hand and congratulate him, I told him "Go roll 300 today."

After a brief pause, he said, "I don't think they'll be open long enough." That alone was worth the visit.

Happy birthday, Lt. Colonel Moore, and may there be more to come!