Walter

Today is Walter Breuning's birthday. There's a party planned at The Rainbow Retirement Community where Walter lives. The mayor of Great Falls and the Governor of Montana are both expected to attend Walter's party as well as a representative from The Guinness Book of World Records. For you see, Walter is now the world's oldest man at 114 years, and the fourth oldest person alive. There are three women also born in 1896, whose birthdays are earlier in the year. The women live in France, Texas, and Georgia.

Walter's friends say he's just an ordinary guy. The women say he's always a gentleman--a gentleman who wears a pinstriped suit and tie daily no matter what the occasion or weather. His friend, Ray, says his buddy Breuning is "a nice guy, not a pain". His friend George describes him as self-assured and outspoken, and always says what he thinks.

Just to give a glimpse into Walter's character, when he was 100, he walked into a downtown Great Falls bank in the mid-1990s to take advantage of a promotion. Five-year certificates of deposit were offered at a special rate, and Walter thought he should take advantage of the opportunity. The banker politely advised Walter to consider a two-year certificate instead. He firmly declined and insisted on the better deal available with the five-year CD. He assured the banker he would be there in person to collect his money when the CD matured. Five years later, at the age of 105, and to the amazement of the banker, Walter once again entered the bank and collected his earnings.

Walter's our local celebrity. He's not rich, or talented, or especially intelligent, or an athlete or an entertainer. He's just Walter--a nice guy who's not a pain and who has lived a very long time. Happy Birthday Walter. As always, all is well.