By Eraina Hooyer
Staff Reporter
There are not too many people that can say they have seen a whole century of events, but Franklin Davis is one of the few that continues to lead a long life.
Frank, as his friends call him, turned 100 years old on June 22 and celebrated his birthday with his family and friends at the Northcott Care Centre in Ponoka.
“I am enjoying myself very much,” said Davis. “There are a lot of people here that I have known for a lot of years. Getting together and seeing and hearing all these people is, for me, a very big pleasure.”
Davis was born in Millet and, during his life, resided in Red Deer and Wetaskiwin before moving with his wife into Northcott Care Centre in February. Davis and his wife Margaret have three children, nine grandchildren and more than a dozen great-grandchildren and have enjoyed every one of them.
Davis wore a smile on his face during the celebration and says that each day leading up to 100 years old has brought about many daily changes in life.
“I have seen a lot of changes over the years, there’s no doubt about that,” he said. “You just live day by day, there’s not too much more to it than that. I never really thought much of being 100 at all, it’s just one day after another.”
Davis was a handyman and was the owner of Davis and Costella Plumbing, he took pride in activities such as woodworking, construction and even built a two storey house that still stands today in Red Deer.
Davis met his wife Margaret when he used to deliver cream for the Wetaskiwin Creamery. He purposely went to deliver it at noon, when he knew she would be home and invite him in. Margaret is 90 years old now and they will be married for 68 years in October.
For advice on life and marriage Davis believes that people should not look to him to give it.
“You have to refer to God for that,” he said. “I can’t tell anyone what to do or how to do it, only God can tell you.”
Davis’ daughter Kay Wannamaker is happy for her father and was thankful for her family life growing up and the example her parents set for their children.
“They’re happily married, we are privileged to have parents like them,” said Wannamaker. “They were always there for others and were very hardworking.”
Davis’ younger brother Lindsay was at the birthday party and was glad to help Frank celebrate his life.
“It’s something wonderful,” said Lindsay. “Not too many people reach that age.”
Davis had never really slowed down and had no fear with trying or learning new things. When he turned 90 years old he bought a computer because he wanted to learn how to use it and when he reached 95 he decided to sharpen his game and bought a pool table.
Christine Catherall looks up to her grandfather and was excited that this big day had come along.
“It’s amazing, I’ve been looking forward to this day for so long and I am so proud of him, he’s an amazing person and I look up to him for everything,” said Catherall. “They have lived good and honest lives. Their door has always been open and they were always helping people, that’s who they are.”
Davis’ wife Margaret enjoyed the party and was happy to take part in the festivities of the day.
“He’s a really good person,” said Margaret. “We have a lot of nice people here, everyone is together and laughing and having a good time and it’s a great way to celebrate.”