Edmeston resident Howard Turnbull turned 100 earlier this year, his friend, Susan Carpenter, congratulated him at her business in Edmeston.(Submitted photo)

EDMESTON - On your 100th birthday, what do you do?

Howard Turnbull planned this day months in advance. He called his hairdresser and asked if she would give him a haircut on his 100th birthday. So, Howard started the day calling his 95 year old brother, then got into the car and drove to see Suzie so he could get his haircut (and a birthday hug).

Howard was born on May 24,1923 and raised in Garrettsville, New York. He spent hours on the Butternut Creek fishing and spending time with friends.

Howard graduated from the Morris School District. At the age of 10, while in fifth grade, he began taking fiddle lessons. The fiddle was his first love.

His second love was Priscilla Blanchard. In 1944, Howard married his lifelong sweetheart and in 1946 they moved to Edmeston. Howard feels blessed to have been married more than 68 years to Priscilla. They enjoyed attending and playing in Bluegrass Festivals and area events.

Together they created Howard's third love - their family. They have four children and there is no doubt how proud he is of them all.

Howard also loved working in the garage. Around 1960 he went to work for the Town of Edmeston inspecting vehicles and repairing them. Howard was excited to tell me how he created a special lift which still exists and is used today.

Howard's fifth love is life. Howard is a happy, kind man; he laughs, is very positive and simple (in a good way). When asked what he likes to eat, "Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches."

Asked how he has been able to live such a long and productive life, Howard said, “Keep doing what you have to do and keep moving...never stop!”

Happy Birthday Howard!

Love,

Keith & Suzie