Pleasant Meadow celebrates resident's centennial birthday
Thursday February 14, 2008 -- Camille Jensen
It’s not every day that someone at Pleasant Meadow Manor turns 100, let alone celebrating the milestone twice in one month.

Because of a mix up in dates, Clarence Hughey celebrated his 100th birthday on Feb. 2 and again Feb. 7.

Hughey, who had always celebrated his birthday on Feb. 2, says he first discovered the confusion over his birth date when applying for a marriage license in 1931. At that time, he discovered his health card stated his birth date to be Feb. 7.

Due to the confusion, Hughey celebrated with his family on his traditional birthday and then received a second celebration, which brought government officials and a local newspaper to the home, for the ‘official’ birthday.

Staff, residents and family were at the official event and honoured Hughey with a standing ovation. 

Hughey says the celebration was great adding he never thought he’d make it to 100. 

Life-enrichment co-ordinator Jackie Arnott says Hughey is doing fabulous, walking regularly in a walking program and attending other events. She adds that Hughey is the only resident to reach 100 years of age at the home.

Restorative care aide Kathy Herron says Hughey is a true example of a classic gentleman. She says his determination to stay independent has helped him stay fit and healthy over the years.

Hughey was born in Highland Grove, near Bancroft in 1908 and was the second of nine children.

As a young man, Hughey began working in lumber and logging camps.  He moved to Peterborough in 1941 to begin a career as crane operator/receiver with General Electric.

Working for the company for 27 years, Hughey retired and took up travelling through Ontario with his wife, Ferol Lewis.

The couple were together for more than 59 years, only separating when Ferol died in 1997.

Clarence moved to Mapleview Retirement Home in 2004 and after suffering from a stroke moved to Pleasant Meadow Manor in May of 2007.