Oregon’s oldest resident celebrates 108th birthday with cake
Oregon: A man believed to be the oldest individual in the state of Oregon recently rang in 108-years-young with a cake and some words of wisdom.
Dozens of people gathered to celebrate Beryl Dillman’s birthday at Merrill Gardens assisted living facility in Eugene, where he comfortably passes his time.
As they sang ‘Happy Birthday,’ Dillman blew out the candles on a large white and gold cake, while 108 blue balloons cascaded down from above. “You don’t know what it’s like to be 100-plus. I’ve found out and I like it!” the birthday boy said beneath three large blue balloons forming 108.
The celebration was also a family reunion, as Dillman got to meet another of his great-grandchildren, Bella Sturges. He is now a great-grandfather of 19.Though he uses a walker to get around, Dillman is still quite prescient and a good singer.
While some centenarians credit their non-confrontational attitude and others their exercise habits, Dillman said he has always maintained a cleaner diet.”Part of the secret is to be careful what you drink and eat,” Dillman told Oregon Public Broadcasting. “I never bothered with alcohol drinks and things like that.”On his 106th birthday, he had told KVAL News, “I’ve always tried to be careful what I say and what I do,” adding that his diet mantra was — don’t overeat.
Most who know him, however, readily bring up his positive attitude, his readiness to show love, overcome obstacles and tell the truth.”He’s always had such a positive attitude and a cheerful disposition,” his 72-year-old daughter Ruth Sturges said. “He’s always been a problem solver. So if there’s a stumbling block or barrier, he’s always looking for a way to fix it, not complain about it.”
