When Irishman Eddie Murphy turned 102 this year, the staff at Greystone Manor decided to go all out and turn his birthday into a Mardi Gras-like celebration.
Murphy, who was born on Feb. 29, 1920, celebrated his birthday at the manor on Mar. 1 amidst his friends and neighbours and staff.
“I never thought I’d live so long and I feel pretty good about it,” said Murphy who enjoyed the celebration, even though it got exhausting for him.
Born in Belfast, Ireland, Murphy grew up being involved in creative work. He worked on and off at a boat yard after learning how to build boats from a neighbour. He built sail boats ranging from 12 to 14 feet in length. He even built a boat for his son, Joe.
“But everyone just wants those plastic boats these days,” he remarked.
The last boat Murphy built was 24-feet-long and took him three years to complete. To put food on the table, Murphy did stainglass work and mostly created church windows for five years. When he moved to Canada, he taught himself how to make gem trees and made over a dozen jade trees, which he eventually gave away to friends and family.
No matter what he did, Murphy always stayed active. He grew his own vegetables, and even today, at 102 years, he takes walks to stretch out his legs. He however has limited vision which reduces the number of things he can do, dramatically. For Murphy, his son Joe visits him often, but he also has some great friends like Dennis and Louisa, who are his neighbours.
Michele White, the director of recreation, who put together this celebration and parade with the help of staff and local baker Kivari Cakes, remarked how gentle and sweet Murphy is.
“Eddie is just so loved by all and part of how he has lived this long has to do with his staying active, eating healthy and having hobbies to keep him occupied,” she said, adding that he was overwhelmed by the celebration and he loved it.
To make the occassion even sweeter, one of the first people to wish Murphy and greet him, was 106-year-old Greystone Manor resident Joan Martin. Martin will turn 107 this September.
Murphy was very touched by the party and even shared his secret to a long life.
“Just take each day as it comes,” he said.
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