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?

B次元官网网址淭he secret is to wake up every morning!

B次元官网网址淚B次元官网网址檒l tell you what it really is,B次元官网网址� said Dimond, as he prepared for his 105th birthday celebrations at Casa Loma Seniors Village. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 because IB次元官网网址檝e got a good hobby - model ship building.

B次元官网网址淚B次元官网网址檝e been trying to do them here (Casa Loma) but somehow or other, I donB次元官网网址檛 seem to find enough time. I keep working at it, though.B次元官网网址�

Dimond was born March 10, 1917 in Brandon, Man., but didnB次元官网网址檛 stick around for very long.

B次元官网网址淚 stayed there for two weeks, but didnB次元官网网址檛 like it,B次元官网网址� 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.

HeB次元官网网址檚 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 - MarjorieB次元官网网址檚 children. His grandson, Eric Staal, lives in Cumberland, and his granddaughter, Christina Goldsztajn, lives in Comox.

B次元官网网址淗e was always meant to live this long, but I think this has helped keep him healthy and mobile and safe,B次元官网网址� said Goldsztajn, who has a favourite childhood memory of B次元官网网址榞randpa.B次元官网网址�

B次元官网网址淗e 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.B次元官网网址�

Staal said Dimond gave him an appreciation of nature.

B次元官网网址淕oing for walks in the forests - thatB次元官网网址檚 my fondest memory,B次元官网网址� said Staal. B次元官网网址淗e would take me out all the time exploring the different parks around the Lower Mainland. That was very formative for me and itB次元官网网址檚 still what I love to do today.

B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 wonderful (to have him close by.)B次元官网网址�

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

B次元官网网址淗is two mottos in life are, B次元官网网址榊ou gotta get going to keep going,B次元官网网址� and, B次元官网网址楧onB次元官网网址檛 worry, donB次元官网网址檛 hurry, be happy,B次元官网网址橞次元官网网址� said Casa Loma community relations manager, Miranda Sorenson. B次元官网网址淗e 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.B次元官网网址�

terry.farrell@comoxvalleyrecord.com
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