At Riverstone, our Wishing Well program is about more than granting wishes—it’s about creating moments. Moments where residents and their families can come together, laugh, reminisce, and feel the joy of something truly special. And sometimes, when everything falls perfectly into place, those moments become unforgettable.
This wish could not have created a more perfect day for one of our beloved Oakpark Retirement residents, Mr. Orval Harron.
Orval lives on our Memory Care floor, and though baseball has always been at the heart of his life, he hadn’t stepped foot in a ballpark in more than 15 years. For a man who not only grew up playing the game but went on to dedicate much of his life to coaching it, that’s far too long.
Baseball wasn’t just Orval’s pastime—it was his passion, his calling, and his way of giving back. With his wife Betty and their children often by his side, baseball became a family affair. He devoted countless hours to coaching young boys and girls, teaching them not just how to throw a ball but how to believe in themselves.
Orval’s specialty was pitching. He had an incredible gift for breaking down the fundamentals—arm action, release point, balance—into a language that every player could understand. Over the years, he coached his way through multiple leagues, including time with the Ontario Blue Jays AAA Ball Club, who went on to win the 1996 Connie Mack Championships. Some of the players Orval mentored even went on to the Major Leagues. His influence stretched far beyond the diamond—he shaped lives, instilled confidence, and left an enduring mark on the sport he loves.
And so, when the Wishing Well set out to bring Orval back to the ballpark, we knew it had to be something extraordinary.
On this special day, Orval, joined by his daughter Barbara, son David, and daughter-in-law, attended the Ottawa Titans’ final home game of the season. From the moment he was greeted by the team’s spirited mascot, Cappy, the excitement was written all over his face.
The highlight of the day came when Orval sat down with pitcher Zack Cameron (#20)—who was set to play that very game. The two shared a deep conversation about pitching mechanics, strategies, and their mutual love for the game. Watching Orval light up as he spoke “baseball talk” with someone who understood was nothing short of magical.
Then it was time for the first pitch. Like any true ballgame experience, there were hot dogs, cold beers, cheering fans, and of course, plenty of family smiles. To make the day even sweeter, the Titans capped off the game with an incredible 9–1 victory—sealed by a Grand Slam homerun!
Could anyone ask for a better day?
We are so grateful to everyone who helped make this wish come true. A heartfelt thank you to the Ottawa Titans organization, Titans executive Mark Hunter, and pitcher Zack Cameron for going above and beyond to create this cherished memory for Orval and his family.
It was more than a baseball game. It was a reminder of the joy of reliving passions, the power of family moments, and the beauty of wishes fulfilled.
