Harvey celebrates 100 years with friends and family

By: 
Patti Carpenter

New Horizons Care Center resident Pete Harvey has outlived his eight brothers and sisters, his wife of 47 years and all of his friends. The centenarian will celebrate his 100th birthday with his family at a private party held at the care center on Sunday, April 28. He said he’s related to “pretty much every Harvey in the area.”
He will also celebrate with his new friends, the residents and staff at the care center, on Friday, April 26, along with other care center residents who have April birthdays.
“He’s a great guy,” said care center director Nicole Hilzendeger. “All of the residents and the aides love him. He’s always in such a good mood and is always smiling.”
Hilzendeger said she’s hoping to have Pete’s favorite cherry pie at the celebration and plans special recognition for his milestone birthday.
Harvey was born on April 28, 1924, in Cowley, where he grew up on a farm. Though the old farm house is now gone, replaced by a newer, bigger house, his pleasant childhood memories remain.
 “Living a good life is all you can do,” Harvey said.
He added that he has no regrets whatsoever regarding the events of his life. He said he worked hard all of his life and spent his spare time doing the things he loved most: picking ditch asparagus, tending three huge gardens, woodworking, fishing, hunting and camping and spending time with his granddaughters Marie McCollam and Cameron Frates, who he raised.
Harvey operated a lawn service for many years in the area, servicing some of his clients for many years. He said he drove truck well into his 80s, before becoming a resident at the care center.
He served in the U.S. Army during World War II. Although he was sent to Germany, he didn’t really see any action because it was toward the end of the war, he said.
“Pete’s a super sweet guy,” Hilzendeger said. “He gets around really well and exercises on the bike for one hour every day. I hope to be like Pete if I make it to 100.”