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The secret to a long life? BԪַWake up every morning!,BԪַ says B.C. man on 105th birthday

Ken Dimond celebrates 105th birthday in Courtenay with friends and family

When searching for the secret to a long life, one checks with the experts.

At 105 years old, Courtenay, B.C. resident Ken Dimond would be considered such an expert.

His advice?

BԪַThe secret is to wake up every morning!

BԪַIBԪַll tell you what it really is,BԪַ said Dimond, as he prepared for his 105th birthday celebrations at Casa Loma Seniors Village. BԪַItBԪַs because IBԪַve got a good hobby - model ship building.

BԪַIBԪַve been trying to do them here (Casa Loma) but somehow or other, I donBԪַt seem to find enough time. I keep working at it, though.BԪַ

Dimond was born March 10, 1917 in Brandon, Man., but didnBԪַt stick around for very long.

BԪַI stayed there for two weeks, but didnBԪַt like it,BԪַ he quipped.

He grew up in Stoughton, Sask. and remained on the prairies for most of his career as a machine fitter.

He retired in Flin Flon at the age of 65, in 1982.

HeBԪַs a recent addition to the Comox Valley, having moved into Casa Loma 14 months ago, from Maple Ridge, B.C., where he spent the previous 25 years of his life.

He and his late wife, Pearl, raised two children - Roy, and Marjorie.

His move brings Dimond close to his grandchildren - MarjorieBԪַs children. His grandson, Eric Staal, lives in Cumberland, and his granddaughter, Christina Goldsztajn, lives in Comox.

BԪַHe was always meant to live this long, but I think this has helped keep him healthy and mobile and safe,BԪַ said Goldsztajn, who has a favourite childhood memory of BԪַgrandpa.BԪַ

BԪַHe used to pick me up after school - he was my caregiver during the week, and he used to let me tell him where to turn, in the car. Sometimes I would just make him drive mindlessly forever, because I liked sitting in his Mustang with him, cruising. He never complained, and then he gave me that Mustang for my birthday when I turned 20.BԪַ

Staal said Dimond gave him an appreciation of nature.

BԪַGoing for walks in the forests - thatBԪַs my fondest memory,BԪַ said Staal. BԪַHe would take me out all the time exploring the different parks around the Lower Mainland. That was very formative for me and itBԪַs still what I love to do today.

BԪַItBԪַs wonderful (to have him close by.)BԪַ

Dimond is an inspiration to both tenants and staff at Casa Loma.

BԪַHis two mottos in life are, BԪַYou gotta get going to keep going,BԪַ and, BԪַDonBԪַt worry, donBԪַt hurry, be happy,BԪַBԪַ said Casa Loma community relations manager, Miranda Sorenson. BԪַHe keeps his body young with lots and lots of walking. He says there is no better way to make friends than by walking with them.BԪַ


terry.farrell@comoxvalleyrecord.com
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Terry Farrell

About the Author: Terry Farrell

Terry returned to Black Press in 2014, after seven years at a daily publication in Alberta. He brings 24 years of editorial experience to Comox Valley Record...
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