A diminutive Mountie with an enormous heart got a musical ride of his own when he was serenaded by Michael J. Fox on his birthday.
Casey Wright, Burnaby's honorary RCMP Staff Sergeant Major, was the honour guard for Fox last Friday at the opening ceremonies of the Michael J. Fox Golf Tournament.
Under sunny skies and to the swirl of the bagpipes, Casey led Fox out by the hand to the front of a cheering crowd at the Riverway Golf Course in South Burnaby. Then he listened, smiling, as the TV star and the rest sang a heartfelt rendition of "Happy Birthday" for him.
For Casey, it was the best birthday ever. "A 10 out of 10," said Casey. "It was awesome!" (Casey's dad is Burnaby NOW photographer Larry Wright.) Casey wasn't bothered by turning 13 on Friday the 13th in 2013 - for him, it was a very lucky day.
The Maple Ridge teen is the first citizen ever awarded the rank of honorary Staff Sergeant Major by the RCMP. Casey sported his red serge uniform and a brand-new felt stetson - a birthday present from the RCMP.
"It was our birthday present to him," said Staff Sgt. Major John Buis of the Burnaby RCMP. "He's a very special young man."
But the hat wasn't the only birthday present Casey received.
In a rare case where the Mountie had the book thrown at him, Casey was given a copy of Fox's biography, autographed by the Burnaby-raised actor.
The Michael J. Fox Golf Tournament and fundraising gala both sold out, raising more than $60,000 for charity.
