Four generations of family and friends celebrated Jack Grinyer’s 100th birthday on Saturday at the Royal Canadian Legion in Orillia.
“When I bought his card, I thought, ‘This is one more of those things that makes my dad special,’” said Grinyer’s son, Stephen.
Many of Grinyer’s Severn Township neighbours were present and reminisced about his generosity and kindness.
“He’s a well-loved man,” said Donna Moore, Grinyer’s neighbour of more than 30 years.
Many people spoke about how Grinyer always worked a vegetable garden. Neighbours noted he still does, even at 100.
“If it can grow in this climate, he’s got it,” Stephen said as he thought about growing up with an abundance of broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, parsnips and squash, which were always shared with the neighbourhood.
Friends and family expressed the joy Grinyer brings them, sharing what he has grown and made by hand. Grinyer said he loves carpentry the most and working with his hands. He still has dozens of items he carved over the years.
What makes Grinyer who he is, and what brought more than 50 people together to celebrate his centennial birthday, is a simple motto: “Complete five things every day.”
Stephen grinned as he shared his father’s pride in completing a daily list and how a new day always brings a new list.
“At 100 years old, he still does five jobs a day,” said Moore. “He’s involved and loves the families in the neighbourhood.”
Family members travelled from British Columbia, Ottawa and Kenogami to see Grinyer on his 100th birthday. The many nieces and nephews who gathered at Saturday’s celebration remember most fondly the family reunions he would host.
“... At the cottage, he would be cleaning the water of weeds so we could go swimming,” said Grinyer’s niece, Kim Hepburn.
“And he was an excellent water skier,” added her sister, Laurie Burnie.
The sisters considered what their uncle might say about longevity or advise others to live a fulfilling life.
“Work hard. Don’t stop,” they agreed.
“And get outside,” Burnie said with a smile.
“He never really cooked much. Now, when I talk to him, he’s making something new. He’s baking brownies and muffins and making stews,” Stephen said about how his father still keeps busy.
“He’s one of a kind, putting everyone else to shame at 100 years old and still fixing things,” said Ann Hagerman, who has also been a neighbour for more than 30 years.
“The worst thing I can tell you about him is he’s always up on a ladder and shouldn’t be,” her husband, Paul, said with a chuckle.
Between the many roles and hobbies Grinyer has achieved excellence at — gardening, raising chickens, carving, fishing, dancing, and building — he is described as someone who enjoys work and good company.
“He’s fearless about doing anything … the original MacGyver, but he’s also a big believer in cocktail hour,” Stephen said, noting his father works hard every day of his life but stops to reward himself the end of the day with a glass of wine.
“I’ve done many, many things,” Grinyer said. “Keep busy. It’s how I’ve made it to 100, I think.”
