Update: Norman Rolston's Order of B.C. Medal was reportedly found this week and returned to the Langley senior.
Original story continues below:
Langley’s Norman Rolston gave seniors around the world mobility with the invention of the first wheeled walker. But now, an unscrupulous thief has broken into his home and taken irreplaceable items from him.
A thief broke into Rolston’s Langley City apartment around noon on Wednesday, March 2. Rolston wasn’t home at the time.
The robber took a metal box that contained several medals and watches that are precious to Rolston and would have little value to a thief.
Among the items stolen is his Order of British Columbia medal, which he was given last year. The box also contained his military medals including his long-time military service award and Legion medals.
His daughter, Myrna Rolston, said the box also contained his dad’s pocket watch and his mother’s wristwatch.
Rolston’s mother was legally blind. She wore a unique watch that had raised spokes on it, so she could tell the time.
“Whenever your home is broken into, it’s a terrible feeling,” said Myrna. “It’s just awful someone would do this.”
Rolston has asked for the return of his mementos.
“It would be great if I could get those things back. It would mean a lot, thank you,” he said.
Rolston is the inventor of the Able Walker. He gifted the invention to the world by not patenting it.
If you know of the whereabouts of any of the stolen items, call Langley RCMP at 604-532-3200. The items can be dropped off at the main RCMP detachment or any Community Police Office.