At Stoneridge Creek in the Bay Area, Dan Ashton is the big man on campus. Having lived there for 11 years, he is well-known for his contributions to community life and his charming smile. He was not expecting much for his 100th birthday celebration on Feb. 23. Little did he know that the Pleasanton, CA, community had been planning a celebration for the occasion.
“Dan is a really special person. When he moved in 10 years ago, he started a lecture committee and he’s been instrumental in bringing lectures in for the residents that have really enriched the lives of everybody here,” Stoneridge Creek Life Enrichment Director Susan Filice said. “He still serves on that committee 10 years later. I just think that kind of speaks a lot about him. He’s a true gentleman in every sense of the word.”
On that day, Ashton entered the community clubhouse to find more than 120 people singing “Happy Birthday.” In addition, the World War II veteran received 100 birthday cards from a local youth group and was serenaded with a special performance by the community’s choir, of which he is a part. The surprise party was attended by the mayor of Pleasanton and even his family.
“[His family] was so touched, it was really beautiful to see,” Filice said. “Apparently, the last time all of his family had been together was 10 years ago when he turned 90, and then he moved in here so he had cousins and different people coming in from out of state. So I knew, I could just tell that this was really something meaningful to him and there wasn’t a dry eye in the room.”
Despite being 100 years old, Ashton does not like to dwell on his age. As the designated chauffeur for the “Lunch Bunch,” a group of residents who sample all the local restaurants, he had his mind on more important things.
“When I was talking to him about him turning 100, he said I have to live until 2025,” Filice said. “I said ‘What’s the significance of 2025?’ ‘Because that’s when my driver’s license expires.’ I said, ‘Dan you can renew it.’”
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