Local veteran celebrates 101st birthday
George Ferguson celebrates his 101st birthday with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren in Orillia.
George Ferguson was surrounded by his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren as he celebrated his 101st birthday on Saturday at the Leacock Care Centre Orillia.
Ferguson served in the infantry division of the Canadian military during the Second World War.
80 years later, the centenarian walks with nothing more than a walker and can still speak very clearly.
'I feel like a young fella,' joked Ferguson. 'The more laughter you get, it's better than all the pills in the world.'
Ferguson and his family note that his sense of humour is part of his secret for living past his 100th birthday.
'His jokes are pretty funny and unique,' said Aiden Joseph, one of his great-grandchildren. 'He's just a really funny guy and that's where I get my funniness from.'
Some of his other secrets: playing the harmonica and shooting pool
'Honestly, he's doing better than I am,' said Jacob Joseph, another one of Ferguson's great-grandchildren. 'He's always up and around. I've never seen a dull moment with him.'
Ferguson, jokingly downplaying his remarkable age, chalked it back to his humble and simple mindset.
'I just live a normal life. I haven't done anything fantastic,' continued Ferguson. 'Get up in the morning, get something to eat and I'm all set. My feet hit the floor, I'm okay.'
His family and staff at the Leacock Care Centre confirm he continues to play his harmonica and shoot pool almost every day.
'He's just had a great life. He stays active all the time, he doesn't drink, he doesn't smoke and he just loves to get around and meet people,' said Brett Langsford, Ferguson's stepson. 'We'll see him for 102 as well.'
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