When elderly couple’s scooter was stolen, helpful stranger proved that people do still care these days

When Don Smithyman learned from Jim Thibodeau, pictured, that his wife’s mobility scooter was stolen, he took some photos of Thibodeau’s similar scooter and decided to put out the word in hopes the scooter could be found. RCMP, however, located the scooter in the meantime, parked at Walnut Beach Resort, apparently “borrowed.” (Don Smithyman photo)

Don Smithyman, from Oliver, was buying a plumbing part at Osoyoos Home Hardware last Wednesday, when he spotted an elderly man buying a chain and lock.

The man seemed confused and upset. Outside the store, Smithyman asked if he could help.

“He then told me his wife’s mobility scooter had been stolen the night before and he was very upset,” Smithyman recalls. “He said, ‘nobody cares these days.’ He feared he had seen the last of the scooter.”

Smithyman told the old man he was wrong.

“I care,” he said. “And I will find some other people who care and maybe we can find who stole it and get it back to your wife.”

The man, named Jim Thibodeau, from Osoyoos, had already reported the theft to police.

The stolen scooter was like the one that Thibodeau himself rode, except his wife’s had more extras – like a canopy.

Smithyman took some photos of Thibodeau and his similar scooter and then sent them to the paper. Thibodeau was anxious to get back to his wife.

“The chap was quite upset,” said Smithyman. “It was quite unsettling.”

By the time the Osoyoos Times reached Thibodeau’s wife, Anne Marie, on Friday the Osoyoos RCMP had recovered the scooter.

“We got it back,” she said, adding that the police officer told them is was recovered in the parking lot at Walnut Beach Resort.

“I guess somebody borrowed it to get out there,” she said.

The Penticton dealer they purchased it from came down and took it to the dealership to inspect it for hidden damage.

When the Osoyoos Times gave the news to Smithyman that the Thibodeau’s scooter had been recovered, he was delighted.

“You have made my day,” he said. “Good job. Ten out of 10. Woo hoo.”

Clearly, there are still people who care.

RICHARD McGUIRE

Osoyoos Times