Joseph Mery Arthur celebrated a remarkable milestone on his 110th birthday, becoming Canada’s oldest known man. Born in Haiti in 1916, Joseph moved to Montreal over five decades ago with his ten children, who later brought him a total of 25 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren, including young Olivia-Rose Simmons.
Simmons attributes her great-grandfather’s longevity to his active mind, fueled by cognac, books, and crossword puzzles. On the other hand, Joseph believes the key to a long life lies in wisdom and moderation.
Despite his age, Joseph remains independent, engaging in activities like reading, albeit a bit challenging due to his failing eyesight. His son, Harold, admires Joseph’s passion for sports and game strategies, particularly baseball and tennis, which have kept him sharp and engaged in his community. Harold emphasizes Joseph’s exceptional character, rooted in wisdom and modesty.
Joseph’s life journey includes serving as a public servant in Haiti and later working at a bakery and the Queen Elizabeth Hotel in Canada before retiring. He dedicated himself to various Haitian community organizations, leaving a lasting legacy of hard work and sacrifice for his grateful family.
As Joseph’s family gathers for a private birthday barbecue, they reflect on his remarkable life and hope to inherit his wisdom. Despite Joseph’s initial prayers to not live past 75, he now cherishes the joy of meeting his great-grandchildren. Simmons, inspired by her great-grandfather’s resilience, looks forward to a long and fulfilling life, aiming to emulate his exemplary traits.