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A man who\u2019s believed to be the oldest individual in the state of Oregon recently rung in 108-years-young with a cake and some words of wisdom.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou don\u2019t know what it\u2019s like to be 100-plus. I\u2019ve found out and I like it!\u201d the Birthday Boy said beneath 3 large blue balloons forming 108, with Oregon Public Broadcasting<\/a> behind the red light.<\/p>\n Dozens of people had gathered to celebrate Beryl Dillman\u2019s birthday at Merrill Gardens assisted living facility in Eugene. As they sang \u2018Happy Birthday\u2019 he blew out the candles on a large white and gold cake, while 108 blue balloons cascaded down from above.<\/p>\n Comfortably passing the time at Merrill Gardens, Dillman is a living, walking, good example. His birthday proved the perfect time to meet another of his great grandchildren, Bella Sturges.<\/p>\n He uses a walker to get around, but is still quite prescient, and a good singer. While some centenarians credit, their nonconfrontational attitude<\/a>, and others their exercise habits<\/a>, the great-grandfather of 19 said he\u2019s always maintained a cleaner diet.<\/p>\n \u201cPart of the secret is to be careful what you drink and eat,\u201d Dillman told OPB. \u201cI never bothered with alcohol drinks and things like that.\u201d<\/p>\n Most don\u2019t associate the man with the diet, however, and readily brought up his positive attitude, his readiness to show love, overcome obstacles, and tell the truth.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s always had such a positive attitude and a cheerful disposition,\u201d his 72-year-old daughter Ruth Sturges said. \u201cHe\u2019s always been a problem solver. So if there\u2019s a stumbling block or barrier, he\u2019s always looking for a way to fix it, not complain about it.\u201d<\/p>\n