I just heard that the Ski Pole Man had passed away.. My thoughts and prayers are with his family...
I wanted to update this and hope everyone who has left a comment would sign the petition to name the stretch of highway 101 after Anthony..
I have attached the link to the petition site and copied what was wrote about Anthony here as well..
This is what is written under the read petition:
As you all may have herd Anthony Wheeler Aka Skipoles Aka Happy Aka Smiles has passed away a few days following a Massiver Heart Attack, We all as a Community knew anthony as the HighWay 101 Walker The man who always smiled, Anthony Every Day no matter the Weather on his journy For weightloss Would Walk a Large Strech Between Coldbrook Ns And the Big Stop In New minas Ns We as a Community would Like to have this Area named after him Please get this out and about the more people for this the better thanks and it will mean a lot to everyone!:)
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His name was Anthony Wheeler.
ReplyDeletethank you for his name
DeleteR.I.P Will sure miss your smile. No matter rain,snow or freezing weather we always seen you on the Highway. You always brought sunshine to the passing people. Prayers to your family.
Deletewhat a nice person and kind to the core. The valley will miss you smile's and wave's
DeleteI nix named him the Valley walker .He will be greatly missed :( and the strip of the 101 highway should be named after him in his honor.
DeleteI agree indefiantly!!
DeleteYes it should b named after him...R.I.P.always a smile that will never be forgotten....
DeleteThat is so said, He will always be in our heart.
DeleteGone but never ever forgotten.
RIP WALK IN HEAVEN ON 101.Amen
Deletehe was such a amazing man, i will miss not seeing him around , thoughts and prayers to the family,
ReplyDeleteR.I.P My cousin, you will be missed <3
ReplyDeleteRIP , You were truly an inspiration. You will be missed ! :(
ReplyDeleteWhen I drove truck thru the valley I would see him walking and he would always wave with a big smile on his face . God bless him.
ReplyDeleteWhen I drove truck thru the valley I would see him walking and he would always wave with a big smile on his face . God bless him.
ReplyDeletehe was truly a great man, and will be missed by everybody. to his family and friends that knew him my thoughts go out to you guys....may you rest in peace.
ReplyDeleteGOING TO MISS HIM ON THE HIGWAY 101 WALKING TO NEW MINAS ALWAYS SMILING...RIP MR. WHEELER....
ReplyDeleteAMEN! <3
Deletehe was a great gut talked to him a few times in to frenchies buying sneekers and seen him on highway lots rip you will be missed byall but never forgotten old friend
DeleteOur condolences to his family and friends.....we would always acknowledge him with a honk as we would drive by.....he was and always will be an inspiration.....
ReplyDeleteRIP.
ReplyDeleteHe will always be missed when traveling through the country!
I once stopped to ask how far he walked every day and why. He showed me a picture of a overweight fellow - I asked who it was and he told me "that's my wife's husband!" HAHA!! I was perplexed for a moment an realized it had been him before he started walking :) Such a friendly face - he'd wave every time I passed in my work van - and that smile. My hat is off to you Sir! I bet you are smiling and waving to all of us :D
ReplyDeleteRIP Anthony thoughts and prayers with the family I sure will miss that great big smile and nod of the head passing by! My love to the family <3
ReplyDeleteMany times I would see him on the highway or in Coldbrook He always had a big smile on his face and I would always beep to him he always made my day. RIP my thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
ReplyDeletemany prayers go to the family of a good man
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for your loss, I did not know him personally, but I have been travelling the 101 for over a decade, and every time I would see him walking the highway with the biggest smile on his face, loving life! Our family would always wave and beep the horn. You will be truly missed and you are an inspiration to many especially to me. My heart goes out to you and your family, rest in peace, and may one day, I will get a glimpse of your smile and you walking along the highway again.
ReplyDeleteThe Kent Family
oh my he did that for years! That's sad thanks for posting!!
ReplyDeleteChange your font in his honour
ReplyDeleteSo sad to hear this...the 101 trip won't be the same. I hope they do something to honour him. He touched so many who didn't even know him just by his constant presence and smile.
ReplyDeleteSo very sad to hear about Anthony. He always had a smile and acknowledged our waves as we drove by. His joyous face will be missed - he is a legend in the Valley. They should name that strip of highway "The Anthony Wheeler Way". RIP
ReplyDeleteBob & Sonya
Anthony, you made it to our highest destination HEAVEN. God bless you.
DeleteRip...I will miss seeing you walking with that big smile on your face and you always giving a huge nod my grandkids would always call you the ski man you will be missed and a heartfelt hug and prayers to family
Delete
DeleteMy condolences to his family. This special man was an inspiration to many. He gives a whole new meaning to perseverance, dedication and motivation. I already miss his "daily" presence on the 101. His smile and wave was your sunshine for the day. I would be happy to see a section of the highway named for him.
I was so inspired by this man's dedication to a physically active lifestyle. Even without ever having spoken to him in person, he motivated me to exercise just 5 more minutes. Condolences to his family.
ReplyDeleteI was so inspired by this man's dedication to a physically active lifestyle. Even without ever having spoken to him in person, he motivated me to exercise just 5 more minutes. Condolences to his family.
ReplyDeleteRip...I will miss seeing you walking with that big smile on your face and you always brought A smile to mine.
ReplyDeleteMy grandkids always called him the"Happy Walker". He will be missed on the 101 as we always waved to him. May he rest in peace now.
ReplyDeleteI've travelled the 101 for years,seen him almost every time with that big smile on his face. You will be missed. R.I.P Ski Pole Man. Our condolences to the family.
ReplyDeleteR.I.P
ReplyDeleteHe will be missed from hundreds of people who always watched him walk for hrs Prayers go to his family sorry for your loss he was a great man in the valley memorie always ... Condolences to all Family
A Valley fixture, now gone. Peace and comfort to his family at this time and always...
ReplyDeletei never knew him but we saw him mahy times and always looked for him any time we were through the area so sorry for your loss
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear of his passing. I saw him the morning of his heart attack. He was a great inspiration to a lot of people including me. I looked for him every time I drove on that stretch of highway. Spoke to him a few times at Frenchies. Such a pleasant guy to talk to. Will also miss his wave & smile.
ReplyDeleteREST IN PEACE ANTHONY, COMFORT TO THE FAMILY AT THIS TIME
ReplyDeletewhat an amazing man...we did not know you on a personal level but were always amazed at the length of your walks, and friendly persona.... you have left your footprint in the hearts of many...enjoy the rest of your journey Anthony and may god grant peace and comfort to your family
ReplyDeleteSo gonna miss seeing Mr wheeler's smiling face on the highway, my thoughts go out to his wife and children.. He will be greatly missed, so sad
ReplyDelete:'(
My trip to the Valley will not be the same without seeing ski pole man, I am so saddened by his passing, and although I never met him, he was such an inspiration, and it always made my day to see him on his walks. His spirit will always be felt on the 101 and I hope someone formally names that stretch of highway for him.
ReplyDeleteI always smiled when I seen this man walking. He just made me feel good/happy inside. My condolences to the family. RIP!
ReplyDeleteMy condolences to the family.He always amazed me every time I seen him walking the 101.He was truly an inspiration may he RIP
ReplyDeleteAmazing person...one we all should take a moment and remember. He was very inspirational. RIP Mr. Wheeler...you will be missed by so many who seen you on the 101 Hwy.
ReplyDeleteMy deepest condolences to the family. RIP Mr Wheeler :(
ReplyDeleteEveryone knew him as the "Ski pole man", but did you guys know he walked to Frenchies every day so he and his wife could personally provide clothing for five needy families in the Valley? He and his wife weren't "well to do", but still found the resources to help numerous people in our community. He is a true Angel with a heart bigger than he used to be. The world needs more people like him.
ReplyDeleteRest in peace Mr. Wheeler, I will miss seeing. Heaven probably has a great place to walk.
ReplyDeleteRest in peace Tony. To Esther and family, my condolences.
ReplyDeletehe brought a smile to my face every time I seen him..so sad
ReplyDeleteSo sorry for your loss he will be greatly missed by more people then he could possible imagine.
ReplyDeleteR.I.P. Anthony Wheeler...Thoughts and Prayers to your family in their time of sadness. May you soar on wings of Angels to your final walking trail and be waiting to greet each one that follows with your beautiful smile. You will be missed by many who have grown to love seeing you on your travels. God Bless
ReplyDeleteI'm just sad. A valley icon who life's ended much to soon. Prayers for the Wheeler family.
ReplyDeleteOur thoughts and prayers to Anthony's family, we will miss his smile, wave and dedication. We always honked and waved - we miss him already and will forever be remembered - always looked for him - and still will. Very sad day. Steve and Maria
ReplyDeleteHave a safe journey to your next destination Anthony, the BIG Buick smile will be missed on the 101!
ReplyDeleteHow many steps do you think he has taken since he began walking the strip.. it is undoubtedly a very big number. I was very saddened to hear of Anthony's passing, and like so many others, will always have that big cheery smile in my memory as we all passed by him at some point in our travels.
ReplyDeleteAnthony, may you find unhindered pathways and beaten down trails in your walk through this next life....we will always remember you fondly,and with great admiration!
Thank you for all the smiles every time we drove past. You made so many peoples day brighter and better with just a simple smile.Going to miss seeing your friendly face. The valley is going to miss you so much. My thoughts are with your family. Pay it forward and try and bring some joy into people lives when i can. Thank you
ReplyDeleteAnthoney's Son. I want to thank-you all for you kindness and carity . It has been very difficult times. When I recieved the call to call mom (Esther) it was like a peace came over us; knowing he isn't suffering anymore. Dad had always a way about him that never ever wanted his family to hurt in any way. There is so many things I could tell you but now my focus is on mom and his memorial service. His memorial service will be held on 22nd on Sunday at 3pm. All are welcome. Being held at Kingsway Assembley located beside kingstec in Kentville..
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I would often see Mr. Wheeler the "Ski Pole Man" walking the 101 and at Frenchy's. His smile was contagious and you had to smile back because he just was such a happy soul! I don't think I have ever come across someone that showed his happiness so freely and at any given time. He has "walked" right into God's arms and I am sure that he has everyone "Ski Pole" walking in heaven as we speak. Our thoughts are with his family at this time. Not many people can say that a member of their family was so well known by strangers because of his infectious smile and love of walking. God bless!
ReplyDeletemy family is saden to here that mr. wheeler has passed away.our prayers go out to his family.R.I.P Anthony....The Wagner and Conrad Family.
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I enjoyed seeing him every day...We often said what a remarkable man he must be...RIP
ReplyDeleteI always seen him walkin the 101 when I was runnin tanker for irving he always waved and when I was unloading fuel new minas big stop he would stop to say hi he will be missed rip mr wheeler from tim swinamer Windsor ns
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts and condolences go out to the family. Anthoney was so much to so many. Husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother, friend...he truly was an original whow will be remembered warmly by all who knew him and even those who did not. His smile and sense of humor were infectious and will always be remembered. I had the pleasure of knowing him for many many years and he was ALWAYS ready to help when he could. I feel honored to have known him and will truly miss seeing him when I am home. Love to Esther, Marcus, Christian and family, Christina and family, Markia and Keith and all the extended family as well.
ReplyDeleteIt was a givin to see him walkin along the valley highway. Always.. And smiled always.. Rip anthony!!!
ReplyDeleteIt was a givin to see him walkin along the valley highway. Always.. And smiled always.. Rip anthony!!!
ReplyDeleteIt was a givin to see him walkin along the valley highway. Always.. And smiled always.. Rip anthony!!!
ReplyDeleteAww, what a shame. He always gave us a wave and a smile when we passed by him after giving him a honk. He so inspired me with his determination and persistance. R.I.P. Anthony. You will be missed.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteSo sad, I believe that we should put up some type of memorial along the 101 in his name
ReplyDeleteyes indeed !!
DeleteWill miss seeing him on the highway . He truly was a icon , My condolences to the family .
ReplyDeleteWILL MISS HIS SMILING FACE ;RIP PRAYERS FOR HIS FAMILY
ReplyDeleteRIP my friend, . Nova Scotia will miss a true icon. Everyone will miss your beautiful smile, and how you responded to our car horns, each and every time. God bless you for making a difference in our lives. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
ReplyDeleteMy deepest sympathy to the family...rest in peace.
ReplyDeleteWe didn't actually KNOW him, but he is certainly a familiar, friendly face we saw daily. He will most definetly be missed. Condolences to the family.
ReplyDeleteRIP,,,,we didn't know you personally but you always got a wave and honk of the horn from us on the highway or in cold brook ,,,where ever we seen you ,,,,condolences to his family
ReplyDeleteCondolences to his friends and family, will miss seeing him and his smile on the drive into New Minas.
ReplyDeleteWow just seen him twice on the labor day weekend as I made my way home to Weymouth. He was as common a sight as the apple orchards for the valley. RIP Mr Wheeler, Prayers to his friends an family...
ReplyDeleteSuch a sad day...wile traveling on 101, I would look for him.. always smiley, upbeat attitude.. regardless the weather.. here he was!!
ReplyDeleteNever got to meet him ...but he was part of our life somehow!!
I believe that the VAlley should come up with some kind of annual walk fund raising "Ski pole man" event ..he sure deserve to be remembered for many years to come!!
My thoughts are with the family...You will be missed Mr Wheeler..!!
When we would make our trips to New Minas, or coming back to the Valley from Halifax, we would always look for the man who walked with the ski poles. Anthony now that I know your name, you have made a big impression on so many people. Didn't matter rain, snow, sunshine, you were always walking with a smile. You will be sadly missed but NEVER FORGOTTEN , our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
ReplyDeleteHad a chat with Anthony a few weeks ago as we were walking in Coldbrook, did know him for some years such a inspiration to so many, a man after Gods own heart, thoughts & prayers are with Esther & the family.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I have moved from the beautiful Annapolis Valley a number of years ago, and currently live in Yellowknife, Mr. Wheeler was a fixture I treasured on my hundreds of drives back and forth from Berwick and Aylesford to Halifax.
ReplyDeleteSuch determination and fortitude, as well as commitment to his journey! He will be fondly remembered and an inspiration to me for enjoying life, good health and the joy of living in one of the most beautiful places on earth.
Kelley
He was always a welcome sign on the highway,sooo cheerful.Also enjoying his hike.God bless him,also his family.RIP
ReplyDeleteColleen& Wally
Rest in peace pole man, I will miss seeing you walking when I am driving.
ReplyDeleteRIP my thoughts and prayers are with you and ypur family at this time. You will be missed by many :)
ReplyDeleteRIP Tony. You deserve the recognition and will be smiling from above.
ReplyDeleteI always watched for him when traveling along the highway and it amazed me how he smiled at everyone who waved .... God Bless RIP and may the Lord be with your family at this time of sorrow and forever
ReplyDeleteGood bye my friend we had many a coffee togather
ReplyDelete:( Stan
as i was going to yarmouth yesterday passing by new minas and kentville area something wasnt just right now i know the wave and smile from anthony as i wove and blew the horn back
ReplyDeleteYour smile will never be forgotten. God Bless you The 101 will never be complete.
ReplyDeleteRest In Peace my dear fellow your smile will be missed. I looked for you every day for your wave and smile. Will miss seeing you. and yes they should name the stretch you walked in your name
ReplyDeleteHe was always walking with a HUGE smile on his face we would honk going by we are not from that area but travel there quite frequently and it was just recently that we had noticed and said to each other where is the smiley gentlemen with the ski poles, and then we had heard it on the news. So sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteDonna Hiltz, Bridgetown
ReplyDeleteI always saw him on my way driving on the 101 regardless of the weather. I thought he was so healthy and wished I had his energy. He always had a SMILE. Rest In Peace
RIP Anthony. You will surely be missed. He was truly an inspriation to so many.
ReplyDeleteAll the trips down that highway , i saw him,all kinds of weather,always seemed to be smiling in the flash of his face as i sped by and I always asked myself the why did he do it? Then I realized that it did not matter why. I was always had the feeling of happiness and contentment for him and thanked him silently.
ReplyDeleteWalk on Ski pole man
Sad the hear, he was an inspiration to many I knew a few things of him, I as well was in bad shape ten years ago, but he help me to stick to the gym, he was always your reminder, if he can do it you can, blessings to you & your family.....
ReplyDeleteI never personally knew this man but I had seen him in the past .I overheard some people talking about his passing at work just this week.God got another Angel !Sending my deepest sympathy to all his family & friends .R.IP.Anthony ! Your smile will be missed by many when we are on our travels on the 101 to our destination !
ReplyDeleteHe was a man who almost always had a smile on his face and happiness in his heart. I could count on one hand the times I caught him not smiling and that in a period of about 40 years. I even remember the time he used me as a guinea pig and put "pinkissmo" in my hair! Thank the Lord it washed out later. :-) He was one of a few upright souls left in the world who would say no wrong of anybody but only words of encouragement. We know where you are now Uncle Anthony so have fun, walk them golden streets with great joy! We'll see ya later.
ReplyDeleteanonymous sept 15 12:10 am ... I work in coldbrook and I make many trips from my work to the gas station . I seen Anthony every day on his walkabout ,I always watched him to see if I cold catch him without his smile ,but I never could . even though he is gone now I still watch to see if I can see him without his smile , rip ski pole man...
ReplyDeleteI looked forward to seeing him on my way to or from work. No matter what kind of mood I might of been in as soon as I saw him he made me smile. My deepest sympathies go out to his family & friends.
ReplyDeleteI would like to say thank you to everyone who shared a story about Anthony Wheeler aka "Ski Pole Man " I myself never personally knew Anthony but would always wave to him on my travels between New Minas and Coldbrok. I don't think he ever knew how many lives he touched daily with that big smile of his. I feel like I know him a little more from your posts and for that I thank you.
ReplyDeleteI am going to miss seeing him walking
ReplyDeleteI would be pleased if the stretch of highway he walked was named for his memory. We live in New Brunswick now, but while we lived in Nova Scotia many trips were made to the Valley, and many times we waved at Anthony, (thank you for giving me his name!). He always returned our waves with a smile.
ReplyDeleteIt's so easy to overlook goodness. Even if it appears just as a smile. I hope Anthony's good nature and his smile are never forgotten!
our prayers and thought are with the family
DeleteThe heart attack isn't fair. God what are you thinking ?
ReplyDelete