Advertise your classes or workshops here

Inspirational Islander: "The Walking Man"

We all have people who have inspired us throughout our lives. They can be as well known as world leaders, human rights activists, famous singers, painters, and authors. They also can be found right on our very own Island, known to only a few. They can be our teachers, our coaches, family members, or in my case a total stranger.

One morning, three winters ago, I stood in my warm and toasty kitchen making breakfast and filling my children's lunch boxes. We discussed the day's schedule; who had a test? Who had a sport's practice? Who was having a friend over after school? Etc . The thermometer attached to the outside of the window pane read a frigid 22 degrees. I announced, “Ok, everyone remember your gloves today, it's freezing outside.” I waved my high-schooler out of the driveway, kissed my husband goodbye on his way to another long workday, and dreaded the idea of stepping outside. We all ran to the frozen car and piled in. We prayed the heat would kick in quickly.

Driving toward the West Tisbury School, I noticed an elderly man out for a walk on this harsh winter morning. “Wow,” I exclaimed, “look at that man!" From inside the defrosting car, perched upon their heated leather seats, my children asked, “How old do you think he is?” I replied, “I don't know, but I want to be like him when I grow up.”

I thought for sure that was just a chance encounter with a brave old man one winter's morning, but that same scene played its self out, time and time again, through the changing seasons. Through the rain, through the snow, and the heat, the seasons turned into years. The children would announce with excitement each time they spotted, "The Walking Man."

To the embarrassment of my 6th and 8th grade sons, I beeped and gave him a thumbs up on a couple of mornings. His daily sightings through all sorts of conditions made me question myself, “What excuse would I make today for not taking a walk in nature?” Inspired by this total stranger's commitment and perseverance, on a couple of occasions, I leashed up one of our dogs and took that walk. But not nearly enough.  

One 50 degree morning this past April, while on the return from my motherly pilgrimage, I seized an opportunity to meet this mysterious “Walking Man."

I introduced myself and extended my hand. He removed his glove to reciprocate. I explained how over the past few years, he has been a source of daily inspiration for me and my children. He humbly deflected the compliment. He had soft and gentle, light blue eyes. We spent the next 30 minutes walking together alongside the busy morning rush of State Road. He revealed parts of his life to me with a surprising melodic accent.

I inquired, “How old are you, if you don't mind me asking?”

He replied, “Oh, I forget," exposing a sharp wit, he smiled, then disclosed, ”I'm 84."

I marveled at his age, as I noticed the elements had been kind to his face.

Dan Van Rooyen, was born in South Africa in 1925. He left his homeland in 1950, spent 7 years in London as a post-graduate student and a scientist at a research laboratory. He moved to America in 1957.

He worked as a “Metallurgist” in a national laboratory most of his life. I learned that his expertise was to make metals used in power generation more corrosion resistant. As he motioned for me to cross the street in front of the fire station, he spoke of losing his wife Susanne, 16 years ago. He cleared his throat and reflected, “She was a tremendous cook, who graduated (cum laude) from one of the oldest universities in South Africa.” She didn't share his affinity for walking, but had a stronger one for reading. He lovingly recalled, “A beautiful companion for 46 years.” Dan visited the Vineyard on and off for twenty years before settling here full time, three years ago. He now lives with his only child, Carl.

I asked about his history with walking. He corrected me, “I jogged five miles everyday until I was seventy-five. Then I jogged/walked. Now, I have been reduced to walking three miles a day. It seems, although a bit slower these days.” I thought, to the contrary, as I tried to keep up with a man four decades my senior.

“So you have lived and walked in your homeland of South Africa, in London, on the mainland USA, and now on Martha's Vineyard. How does living and walking on the Vineyard compare?" I inquired.

He shared his thoughts, “It's a great place to live. The good outweighs the bad. Prices are high. We are reliant on the boat line, but the water is what insulates us and is what makes it so good and safe. It may even protect us from the Swine Flu, (with a smile). I enjoy walking these roads, except when the caterpillars fall.“

“Is that when you stay home?” I wondered.

He quickly clarified, “No, that's when I bring my golf club with me to break their strings. They fall from the trees, and it clears my path. Sometimes, the exhaust from the many cars bothers me. Sunday mornings are the best. The road is quiet."

”Do you think walking has assisted in your good health and long life?“ I was curious to know.

His scientific mind deducted that, ”When a person does only one thing their whole life. There is no way of knowing, if the person didn't do that thing, what the outcome would have been. It's not like a controlled experiment in a laboratory.…….. All I know is that it makes me feel good.”

With Inspiration,
Lynn Dwane

Which Islander inspires you? We would love to hear your story. Submit your own “Inspirational Islander” story for consideration in our next issue. Send your stories to; editor@islandinspirationmag.com