A lifelong resident with a long family history, Syd Feuz will represent Golden as the Town of Golden-appointed Torchbearer on January 21.
Feuz will be honoured to take the Torchlight and light the cauldron to kick off the VANOC stage as the Torch arrives in the celebration area.
Feuz says he was approached by the Town early in the Spring of 2009 and was quite surprised to be selected to represent Golden.
“It’s certainly like nothing I’ve ever done before,” says Feuz, smiling. He adds that he is honoured to have been chosen.
“I was undecided at first,” he says, laughing, “I couldn’t quite see why they would want a guy as old as I am.”
After hearing from his grandchildren, who were quite adamant that he participate, and talking with some old friends with long histories in Golden, Feuz says he finally decided to accept the momentous opportunity.
“I was very impressed with what the Town has put together and all the events that are happening. It’s quite a thing to see; many people are involved with the celebration. I think this will be great for the whole town of Golden.”
Feuz is no stranger to great things happening in this town; he himself was responsible for many of the great things that started and lasted in Golden.
“I was one of the founders of the Kinsmen Club of Golden, and the biggest project we took on was the Kinsmen Curling Rink. I have also participated on many boards, including the local School Board and East Kootenay Community College, for 25 years.”
Feuz is also one of the original Canadian Mountain Guides; he started guiding at 16.
“I am an honorary member of the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (my guide training pre-dates the creation of that Association in 1963). I was also an original heli-ski guide in Golden and the parks surrounding us. I am connected to more than 200 first ascents and early expeditions through the mountains around Golden and the neighbouring National Parks. Heli skiing is the best kind of skiing, there is nothing better,” he says smiling.
Feuz, who attended a workshop last week and is now a trained ambassador, says he has been training a lot for his walk with the torch. He is happy to represent the town he has lived in all his life.
“Golden has everything. Anything you can think of, you can do here, from fishing to climbing and, of course, skiing.”
