Article content Dave Filsinger, right, said his father-in-law, Arnold Stairs, second from right, who will turn 100 on Oct. 11, is a classic vintage man that just keeps going. With them are Kevin Munn, left, Arnold’s grandson-in-law, and Munn’s wife, and Arnold’s granddaughter, Reanne Munn. Photo by Dave Stewart /The GuardianArticle contentHis father used to cut ice for the home and store it down in a special room in the shed.Article contentStairs remembers his father’s first motorized vehicle, a Model T Ford.Article content“I’ve seen everything that you can imagine,” Stairs said. “Nothing happens at once. It is gradual and progressive, and you must slide into it.”Article contentHistoric momentsArticle contentStairs recalls seeing the Hindenburg flying overhead in 1937 as it was on its way to New Jersey when a fire broke out and destroyed the aircraft.Article contentHe can remember exactly where he was when the radio announced that Canada declared war on Germany in the Second World War in 1939.Article contentSpeaking of change, today Stairs is armed with the latest iPhone, iPad, laptop and he is on Facebook.Article content“Well, nobody told me I couldn’t do those things,” Stairs laughed. “I just keep doing what I need to do.”Article contentStairs is also an avoid painter and has painted more than 1,000 canvasses, mostly landscapes.Article content“It’s expression and doing it reminds me of God’s creation.”Article contentArticle contentBirthday bashArticle contentFollowing are details on the 100th birthday party for Arnold Stairs:Article contentArticle contentWhen: Sunday, Oct. 11, at 10 a.m.Where: A service at Sherwood Nazarene Church in Charlottetown.Send greetings, cards or messages to reanne@hotmail.com.Article contentArticle contentFamily prideArticle contentReanne Munn, his granddaughter, said she often brags about Stairs’ accomplishments.Article content“He’s got more stories than we have even heard of and just the inspiration that you are never too old to do what you love,” Munn said.Article content“As a family, we are always talking about his knowledge and all of the stories that he still has.”Article content Reanne Munn, left, of Charlottetown said her grandfather, Arnold Stairs, inspires her every day, explaining that she has heard only a fraction of the stories he has. Munn and Stairs are two of nine ordained ministers in the family. Photo by Dave Stewart /The GuardianArticle contentKevin Munn, Reanne’s husband, said he only married into the family two years ago, but is already impressed with Stairs.Article content“His stories I could listen to all day long,’’ Kevin said. “I love it.”Article contentDave Filsinger, Stairs’s son-in-law, said the entire family stands in awe of how he has kept his body and mind so sharp.Article content“He’s a classic, a vintage,” Filsinger said, “He just keeps going.”Article content Arnold Stairs said he plans on celebrating his 100th birthday with a celebration at Sherwood Nazarene Church in Charlottetown on Oct. 11 with all of his family, including his daughter, Nadine Filsinger. Photo by Dave Stewart /The GuardianArticle contentFilsinger said the only thing about Stairs that he worries about is the fact that Chappell Court, where the centenarian lives, does not provide medical care among its services.Article contentArticle content“Here we have a 100-year-old person who has no doctor because his doctor retired and he’s on the waiting list,” Filsinger said.Article contentStairs takes Filsinger’s comment in stride, adding that he still has a great attitude about life.Article content“I consider (every day) a gift from God,” Stairs said. “I am enjoying every day, able to get up in the morning. I usually ask God each morning, ‘What are we up to today?’”Article contentArticle contentAt a glanceArticle contentFollowing are the family members of Rev. Arnold Stairs who are also ordained in Christian ministry:Article contentDave Filsinger, son-in-law.Nadine Filsinger, daughter.Reid Stairs, son.Bonnie Stairs, daughter-in-law.Jeremiah Stairs, grandson.Reanne Munn, granddaughter.Jahleel Stairs, great-grandson.Minah Stairs, grand-daughter-in-law.Article contentArticle contentDave Stewart is a reporter for The Guardian in Prince Edward Island. He can be reached at dstewart@postmedia.com and followed on X at @DveStewart.Article content
Charlottetown man celebrating 100th birthday says faith, family and kindness keep him young
