Anderson man turns 100

EARL OLIVER

Photo by Paul Robeson

FAMILY GATHERING: Earl Oliver, 100, center, is surrounded by family including son Glenn, left, daughter Judi and wife Gwen.

Earl Oliver got a chance Sunday, April 5, to do something many aspire to do, and that is walk on his own power into his 100th birthday party, a surprise event at the Fairway Oaks Mobile Home Park in Anderson. He was accompanied by his wife Gwen, 94. The couple have been married nearly 70 years.

They entered the park’s club house to the cheers and applause of more than 60 waiting guests, a throng that swelled to more than 80 before the afternoon festivities ended.

On hand for the event was Shasta County District 5 Supervisor Les Baugh, who presented Oliver with a plaque.

Photo displays around the room depicted the many lumber mills that Oliver worked at during his long career. Food, beverages and, of course, a big birthday cake were enjoyed by family and friends.

Born April 7, 1908, Oliver graduated from Medford High School. He went on to Corvallis Northern State College where he studied civil engineering.

Oliver met his wife, Gwen Martin in 1937, and they were married on June 10, 1938. They had two children, Glenn and Judi.

Oliver worked in Little Valley (1941-1952), then Wildwood for Ralph L. Smith Lumber in Anderson. He spent another five years as superintendent at Paul Bunyan Lumber, then went to work for Wicks Lumber, from which he retired in January 1975.

After retirement, the Olivers traveled to Alaska, Hawaii and most summers to the California coast. They also made many trips to Reno and Lake Tahoe, said Jeff Duncan.

Oliver “never met a card game he didn’t like,” he said.