When most people start approaching 80, they're thinking of their latest grandchild or their new hip, but for Don Heppner, his newly-released CD is on his mind.
Heppner recently took a break from kitchen sink plumbing repairs to talk to the Regional Optimist about finger picking, gospel tunes and a lifetime of loving music.
"Music keeps me going," said Heppner, who started guitar pickin' at the tender age of 11, when he received a guitar for Christmas.
Heppner had several uncles who were involved in music, as well as three school friends who were learning to play instruments as well.
"We vied to see who could be the better musician," said Heppner. "It turned out that I beat them all because I kept it up and they didn't."
The 78-year-old Battlefords resident was inspired by the music of Chet Atkins and Merle Travis. Although Atkins sent Heppner a letter after receiving some of Heppner's music, the two never met.
"I just wish I could've shaken his hand one time," said Heppner. "Maybe something would've rubbed off."
As a young man, Heppner entertained quite often at church events, which is where he developed a taste for gospel music.
"That was a long time before television," said Heppner, explaining church was quite the social scene at the time.
Later, Heppner played for CFQC Radio in Saskatoon, as well as making several appearances on CTV, then later moved to Vernon, B.C., where he played with a number of bands.
"I've certainly met a lot of people through music," he said, adding he often plays for free throughout the Battlefords, in places such as River Heights Lodge and Ruth Whyte Manor.
For the last four years, Heppner has been a member of the local band Keeping it Country, alongside bass player Dennis Pidwerbeski and vocalist Larry Symynuk.
Two months ago, they released their first CD, and following this, Heppner decided it was time to make good on a long-time dream of his: to record his own CD.
With the help of friends Debbie and Dave Norman, who allowed Heppner to use their recording studio in Rosetown, and Pidwerbeski, who accompanied Heppner on bass for a number of the songs, Heppner recorded and produced his first CD: Don Heppner's Finger Pickin' Country Gospel.
"I'm really glad that I did this," said Heppner, adding the CD has been well-received and he's had many compliments.
"I had to order another 100 here last week because they're going like hotcakes," said Heppner.
But his biggest fan will always be his wife, Alice.
"I love his guitar music and I hope he can play for a long time to come," she said.
Heppner is selling his CDs for $15 each, with half of the proceeds going to the Saskatoon Cancer Center, where Heppner will be tested for bone cancer May 31.
"They want to make sure if I do have cancer I get treatments right away," said Heppner.
Although this may seem frightening, Heppner is taking it one day at a time.
"I don't think about it," he said. "What happens, happens and that's it. At my age, I can expect just about anything."
In the meantime, Heppner is looking forward to the Gospel Jamboree, held at the Western Development Museum June 5, where he will be filling the building with the sweet sound of old-time country gospel.
Heppner's CD will be available for purchase at the event.
