Former Avalon resident Marlee Fritzsch recently finished a summer back on the island, visiting with friends. While here, she extended an invitation to her 93-year-old grandfather to join her during her stay. When he accepted the invitation, he inquired about the possibility of taking a ride on the Zipline.
Marlee had worked at the Zipline back in 2019 and she had told him about it. She knew he was not likely joking since about 10 years ago, he had joined her for a trapeze class and when he arrived, he was wearing martini pajama pants. And he completed the afternoon class.
Marlee reached out to some people she knew at the Zipline to inquire as to the oldest person to have done the ride. Admittedly, no one could be certain, but the oldest in memory was a 88-year-old. So, at 93, it appears Grandpa Ray Lovell, now holds the record for oldest Catalina Zipliner.
“So, at age 93, and a half, this amazing grandpa of mine, did all 5 ziplines,” Marlee said. “He had never been ziplining before and did it like a champ.”
Marlee said that Grandpa Ray is not one to easily share his age. She said most of the people at his retirement home assume he’s still in his 70s. Ray apparently enjoys making people, especially the ladies, wonder just how old is the vibrant and active guy.
