A Turner Valley man celebrated his 100th trip around the sun on Oct. 6.
Bill Stewart rang in the occasion with his daughter and about a dozen extended family members who travelled from Scotland for the big event.
That’s a long way to travel for a birthday party, Stewart said.
Stewart lives on his own and is well known on the tight-knit street.
“He's just the most wonderful person you ever want to meet,” said neighbour Beverly Michalezki.
She described him as a dad for the whole neighbourhood
Neighbours gathered together Thursday evening to sing Happy Birthday to Stewart outside his home on a quiet cul-de-sac.
Stewart’s daughter, Irene O’Callaghan, said he was born in Scotland and came to Canada in 1957 with his wife and daughters. Immediately after landing in Montreal, the family took the train west to Alberta, where he began working on farms and ranches.
“He's always worked on ranches and farms, looking after cattle and managing the farms and the ranches,” O’Callaghan said. “He’s just been a hard worker all his life.”
Even at 100, Stewart manages to go for a walk every day. He settles for the treadmill in the winter and is a big fan of the Calgary Flames, she said.
O’Callaghan said he is a wonderful dad and a great neighbour.
“He's got great neighbours, too, who love him and support him, and help him stay independent in his house," she said.
Michalezki said she takes meals to Stewart once in a while.
“Last night he had his last double-digit dinner,” she said.
Stewart repays the favour by being quite the baker and sharing with the neighbourhood.
“I just don’t know anybody that doesn’t love him,” she said. “He is such a joy, and always happy.”
Stewart, a widower, has lived in Turner Valley for about 30 years.
