Big-time appreciation for simple things in life
Yarmouth resident Richard Surette has lots of friends, various interests
At four feet, four-and-a-half inches and about 64 pounds, Richard Surette is small in stature.
But what he lacks in height and weight, he more than makes up for with a full-size sense of humour, positive attitude and wide social circle.
“I meet a lot of people,” he says.
Even if you don’t recognize his name, you’ll recognize his face – and not just because of the lines and wrinkles that define his look.
On his scooter, the Yarmouth resident has long been a familiar sight in town as he makes his way to one place or another; whether it be to shop or to meet friends, or both.
His voice, which sounds a bit like a record playing too fast, is endearing. And his down-toearth nature is also part of his charm.
For a dozen years or so, Surette was one of the first faces that greeted people before they drove away from the ferry terminal property on Water Street. During Yarmouth’s ferry heyday, when two ferries sailed in and out of port each day, he handed tourism brochures to visitors to help entice them to stay a little longer.
Born in Malden, Mass., Surette grew up on Surette’s Island, Yarmouth County. He eventually spent some time living in Lower Eel Brook and, for almost two-dozen years now, has lived in an apartment complex on Grantham Street.
Surette says he isn’t sure what happened to him that left him physically small. His siblings – all of whom are deceased – were normal size, he says, and, from research that was done, there didn’t seem to be unusually small people in his family history.
Among his childhood memories, he recalls earning money by picking up mail for people and he also sold different things, including greeting cards, household items, etc.
It was a time when money went a lot further than it does now, he says.
“In those days, (by earning) 10 cents, if there was half-a-dozen kids around, I could feed them all in candy and have plenty for myself,” he says.
Beyond the value of money, Surette has seen many changes. One in particular that fascinates him has been the evolvement of the automobile.
Another longtime interest of his has been photography. He has snapped a wide range of subjects, including ones you might expect – sunrises, sunsets, people, birds, airplanes – and others you might not, such as a pair of amorous grasshoppers. He’s into music, too.
Surette recently turned 92. Two days before his Jan. 31 birthday, while attending a singsong in Brooklyn, those present sang Happy Birthday to him.
He used to play guitar, but his hands no longer permit him to. But he still appreciates a good tune.
He still gets out quite a bit, but he also likes his time at home, where he watches a good deal of television and is on his computer a fair bit.
One of his favourite TV programs is a morning cooking show. Surette says he’s a pretty good cook himself.His specialty? Fish chowder, he says.
“I eat pretty good.”
He feels pretty good too, he says, although it was a different story in 2013 when he cracked his leg while installing a solar light and was in the hospital for about eight weeks.
He jokingly shares his philosophy about staying healthy.
“I have a motto – stay away from the doctor,” he says.
Friends, on the other hand, he always likes being around. He received plenty of greetings for his latest birthday – including best wishes from Facebook friends – and he enjoyed a birthday lunch at a popular Yarmouth eatery with longtime friend David Surette.
While Yarmouth is Richard Surette’s home, he still has family living south of the border. He has a niece he regularly stays in touch with in New Hampshire.
Asked about U.S. politics, he says he doesn’t think much of
Donald Trump. To be kind, he acknowledges the American president is unique.
“He is a character,” Surette says.
But he has better things to do than think about American politics. Whether it’s heading out on his scooter, spending time with folks or maybe just relaxing at home, Surette appreciates it all.
“I enjoy living, that’s for sure,” he says.