Len Pitt: Celebrating birthdays for a century

A Century of Memories – Wayne Jones, and wife Dianna (behind him) of the Oliver
Bakery and Deli, prepared a special birthday cake –
containing a single candle – for Oliver’s Len Pitt last
Saturday. Family and friends came down to the bakery to help celebrate Len’s 100th birthday, which officially took place Sunday. Dale Cory photos

There was something a tad ironic regarding the 100th birthday celebration which took place this past Saturday morning at Oliver’s Bakery & Deli.

The star was Len Pitt, who turned 100 years old on March 15.

So, Saturday morning, Len’s friends and family gathered at Oliver Bakery, where he has been a regular for many years.

“The guys here invited Len to come down and join them several years ago and ever since then they would always meet here and have coffee. It was a great thing, and it became his group of guys to have coffee with,” explained son Ray. “He was 90 when he came to Oliver, and we would come down here to celebrate his birthday every year. This year is just a big milestone because it’s the 100th.”

To celebrate the special occasion, Wayne and Dianna Jones of Oliver’s Bakery & Deli designed a cake, and, after singing Happy Birthday to Len, there we sat, enjoying dessert.

Then it struck me. Was this the key to longevity? A slice of delicious cake at 10 in the morning? (The fact I also finished my day with an Oliver Bakery cake creation at the Oliver Curling Club wind-up would then be a strong indication I too will live to 100!)

So, how is it that Len Pitt has survived, even thrived, for more than 100 years on this earth?

“I knew you were going to ask me that. But I have no idea,” said Len with a laugh. “The only thing I know is, I never smoked in my life. Apart from that, I lived in a climate that wasn’t hot. Apart from that, I really don’t know.”

Son Ray has his own ideas.

“He’s a great, caring man. He looks after himself. He’s had a few mishaps, but then, most of us will never see the light of day of maybe 90. This is great what Wayne and Dianna do for him every year,” said Ray. “He’s kept himself healthy, he’s a very smart man and knows when to eat something right and not to. He’s always taken things in moderation. He’s had a full work life which kept him busy. He retired at 75, not at 60 or 65, and so I think that’s had a big part to play that he stayed healthy through till the end of his career.”

It may also be in the genes. Len’s mother lived to 103, his brother was 96, his sister lived into her 80s.

“The ‘family’ now includes a lot of people from Oliver, and we are really happy to see that,” said Ray, confident the group will reconvene many times, and especially in one year, for another birthday celebration. “If he keeps up doing what he’s doing now, we will be back here a few more times to make Wayne make him a cake.”

And that’s an honour Wayne and Dianna at Oliver Bakery are thrilled to help with.

“Len’s been coming since we owned the bakery, and was coming here every day for a while. So, we’ve known Len for about nine years. He’s an amazing fixture here,” said Wayne. “Every year it’s an honour to bake a cake for him. This one’s really great. Len’s pretty sharp, and he’s still got his sense of humour about everything as well.”

Len was a treat to spend time with. He was well aware of everything taking place, he was very gracious for the honour, and he truly cherishes the time he gets to spend with everyone.

“It’s tremendous, hard to explain. There are so many people here that I’ve known for many years. They come in here and have coffee with me. Somebody picks me up every Thursday at 10 o’clock, and we come over here. It’s amazing,” said Len. “My son Ray is close and looks after me, and my daughter Bev lives in Flin Flon, so she’s a long ways away, but she’s on the phone all the time. Between the two of them, I’m pretty sure they know exactly what I’m doing.”

So, how does it feel to be 100 Len?

“I don’t know how it feels to be 100,” he responded matter-of-factly. “The way I feel, I’m quite satisfied being 100. The only trouble is, I lost my balance completely, so I have to hang on to somebody. Apart from that, I feel fine.”

To finish off our conversation, Len was asked what advice he may have for young people growing up.

“They have to live their lives. That’s how I’ve lived my life. Nobody told me how to live it. And, I’m still here,” he responded. “So, I’ll be here next year maybe, because I’m sure Wayne is already working on something. It takes him a year to make that cake you know.”

At that point, I knew in my own mind the key to longevity – a good sense of humour!

See you next March, Len. There’s no backing out now. Wayne’s already in the design stage for your 101st birthday cake!

Dale Cory

Oliver Chronicle