Alex Sahr has delivered hot meals to those in need since President Reagan's first year in office and Walter Cronkite's last year as host of the CBS Evening News.
After nearly 25 years volunteering for Fargo's Meals on Wheels program, the 88-year-old says he has no plans to stop.
He enjoys it too much.
"As long as I got a driver's license and my old, red Mercury holds up, I plan to keep doing it until something happens," said Sahr, who started Sahr Oil Co. in 1959 and retired in 1981.
Sahr spends about 1½ hours every Friday catering to residents ages 60 or older who are homebound or unable to prepare meals.
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He stops at eight or 11 homes, visiting briefly with residents.
"You get to meet those wonderful people when you deliver. They're so appreciative," said Sahr, who has delivered well over 11,000 meals. "The visit is just about as important as the meal. If they don't answer the door or haven't called to cancel the meal, I call our office to get help."
Sahr increased his volunteer efforts after surviving cancer surgery in 1979. He said volunteering was his response to being given another chance at life.
"I guess it was a kick it the pants to start," he said.
Sahr hosts funerals at the Messiah Lutheran Church of Fargo and served four years on its board. He and his wife, Carlene, serve meals during the holidays at the Fargo Senior Center in the NP Depot.
Sahr has worked at the Fargo Kiwanis Club annual Pancake Karnival at the Fargo Civic Auditorium for more than 20 years. He also participates in the Golden K Kiwanis' Christmas gift-wrapping project at West Acres Shopping Center. The club has raised about $100,000 for local charities in the past eight years through its gift wrapping.
Brian Arett, director of the Fargo Senior Commission, said Sahr brings a warm spirit and upbeat attitude to the program.
"He's so friendly to people. It just doesn't seem like anything can hold the guy back," Arett said. "He just goes and goes. He forms a bond with the people he delivers to. It's pretty neat to watch him do his thing because of the friendships he has formed.
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Meals on Wheels delivers an average of 225 meals per day in Fargo, West Fargo and rural Cass County. The program has served more than 500,000 hot meals since 1972.
Readers can reach Forum reporter Joe Whetham at (701) 241-5557
