Let’s be honest, every birthday is a big deal. After all, it only happens once a year and it’s a day to celebrate you, so why not live it up?
But last week’s birthday shindig for Jim Palmquist at Havenwood had even more of a reason to let loose – he was turning 100.
Born on Oct. 3, 1917, Palmquist has lived through a lot. We’re talking the Great Depression, both world wars – having served as a navigator for a bombardier during World War II and escaping a training crash – and just about every piece of technology you can think of.
So from his wheelchair outfitted with balloons, one of which said “100 And still handsome,” and wearing a newly gifted 100 tie, Palmquist visited with friends and family, opened presents and birthday cards, took photos and selfies and enjoyed ice cream. He was given a N.H. Masonic Centenarian Award from the N.H. Freemasons, and visited by a pair of dinosaurs (unfortunately they weren’t real and were just friends in internet-bought costumes), just so he didn’t feel like the oldest one at the party.
Palmquist lived in places like Chicago – where he served as an alderman –and New York City before moving to New Hampshire around 1980. He was a big amateur radio enthusiast and backyard vegetable gardener.
Palmquist has lived at Havenwood for the last 17 years, the first three in one of the cottages and the last 14 in assisted living.
He had an uncle who lived to be 100 and 30 days and he’s looking to breeze right past that total.
Happy birthday, Jim, and here’s to many more.
