Surprise birthday party held for Kincardine business man

Harold Maurer had no idea that a surprise party in honour of his 75th birthday was brewing at Jean's Family Restaurant in Kincardine, Friday night.

Maurer, who owns the restaurant with his wife, Lynda, as well as Dar-Lyn Pools in Kincardine, walked in the back door of Jean's to hear a chorus of "Surprise" as staff, family and friends had gathered for the occasion.

A bewildered Maurer looked around at the crowd; he thought he was coming in to fix the dishwashing machine. Then he smiled and laughed, and began to circulate, shaking hands and accepting congratulations on his birthday which was actually Thursday.

He even had a chance to visit his grandchildren, Emmy and Sammy, who are currently living in the United States, via Skype.

After an hour-and-a-half, Maurer thanked everyone for celebrating with him, and then he was off to watch the Kincardine Bulldogs begin their playoff series against Goderich.