The Vintage Rider's Bold Journey

A Remarkable Senior Who Defies Age with Roller Coaster Adventures

There are many reasons people avoid riding roller coasters. Motion sickness, dizziness, fear of heights, lack of energy, fear of fainting, a weak stomach, bad knees, or a bad back can all be excuses. Some might even say they just had lunch and aren’t up for the thrill. However, extreme roller coaster enthusiasts often seem to be those who use phrases like “like,” “bro,” and “dude” frequently. But not everyone fits that mold.

Enter Haroutioun Arslanian, an 89-year-old man whose passion for roller coasters is nothing short of extraordinary. This summer, he rode the Cannibal roller coaster at Lagoon Amusement Park more than 100 times. The ride features a 140-foot drop, speeds up to 70 mph, three inverted loops, and 4.2 G-forces—conditions that would challenge even the most seasoned thrill-seekers. Yet, Haroutioun isn’t just a casual rider; he’s a regular at the park, often racing teenagers back to the start for another round. On one occasion, he completed 14 rides in a single day, which he considers his personal record.

When asked why he does it, Haroutioun simply replies, “Because it’s fun.” He adds, “It makes you feel young.” These words reveal a mindset that defies conventional expectations of aging.

Haroutioun didn’t grow up riding roller coasters. Born in Beirut, Lebanon, he experienced the turmoil of World War II, including bombs dropping near his school and home. He was a soccer player, cyclist, ballroom dancer, and harmonica player, as well as a trained machinist. In 1967, he and his wife, Manoushag (known as Violet), moved to Utah, following her parents who were members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His life has been marked by constant movement, from working as a machinist until age 61 to caring for his wife after her diagnosis with multiple sclerosis. He later remarried and served an 18-month mission in the Philippines.

Even after the passing of his second wife, Haroutioun continues to stay active. He works two days a week at his son-in-law’s car dealership and one day a week at the Jordan River Latter-day Saint temple, a commitment he has maintained for 25 years. He also goes to the gym daily, except on Sundays, lifting 30-pound dumbbells and watching Hallmark movies, which he calls “Cinderella movies.”

His journey into the world of roller coasters began with his daughter, Liza, who wanted him to buy a season pass to Lagoon. Initially, he declined, thinking the park wasn’t worth it. However, the senior discount changed his mind. At $57, the price was too good to pass up. When Liza suggested he try the roller coasters, he hesitated but eventually gave them a shot. What followed was a revelation—he loved it.

As the summer progressed, Haroutioun became a local sensation. Teenagers often give him fist bumps as he completes his loops. People are curious about his secret to staying energetic and healthy. His answer is simple: “First, be happy. Don’t worry about money. Money comes and goes. Just be happy and stay healthy and eat the right things. And don’t ever smoke or drink. One cigarette, one nail for your coffin.”

His son-in-law, Dave Nash, highlights another key trait: “He doesn’t stand still. He’s definitely not afraid to try new things.” For Haroutioun, the roller coaster is just one of many adventures he embraces with enthusiasm and courage. His story is a testament to the power of curiosity, resilience, and the joy of living life to the fullest, no matter the age.