Surrounded by a cascading waterfall of 108 large blue balloons that dropped from above, Dillman sat beneath massive blue numerals forming his new age as local media cameras captured the celebration. When asked by reporters how it feels to reach such a rare and prestigious milestone, the birthday boy offered a cheerful and succinct perspective.
"You don’t know what it’s like to be 100-plus," Dillman remarked with a smile. "I’ve found out, and I like it!"
The atmosphere inside the Merrill Gardens facility was warm and celebratory as dozens of guests came together to sing "Happy Birthday" to the centenarian. As the song echoed through the room, Dillman blew out the candles on a large, intricately decorated white and gold cake prepared specially for the occasion. The gathering also provided a heartwarming family reunion, serving as the perfect backdrop for Dillman to meet one of his newest great-grandchildren, Bella Sturges, adding another generational layer to the joyful event.
Despite his advanced age, Dillman remains remarkably prescient and engaged with the world around him. While he relies on a walker to help him get around, his mind remains sharp, and he retains a fondness for singing and storytelling. As the state’s oldest known resident, his life spans an incredible era of modern history, witnessing profound technological, social, and cultural transformations that have shaped the modern world. Yet, throughout nearly 11 decades, he has maintained a steady and grounded approach to daily living.
When centenarians reach the media spotlight, reporters and longevity researchers are always eager to uncover the elusive secrets to a long life. Across the globe, individuals who surpass the age of 100 often attribute their longevity to vastly different factors. Some credit a strictly nonconfrontational attitude and a peaceful mind, while others point to rigorous exercise routines, such as working out multiple times a week or maintaining active outdoor hobbies well into their later years. For Dillman, however, the cornerstone of his remarkable health has always been rooted in mindful nutrition and self-discipline.
As a great-grandfather to 19 descendants, Dillman shared that his dietary habits played a crucial role in sustaining his vitality over the decades.
"Part of the secret is to be careful what you drink and eat," Dillman explained during an interview with Oregon Public Broadcasting. "I never bothered with alcohol drinks and things like that."
In previous interviews reflecting on his long life, including a conversation with KVAL News on the occasion of his 106th birthday, Dillman elaborated further on his philosophy of moderation. At that time, he emphasized the importance of self-control, offering a simple piece of advice: "Don’t overeat." He added, "I’ve always tried to be careful what I say and what I do," highlighting a philosophy that merges physical restraint with emotional and verbal mindfulness.
While Dillman frequently points to his clean diet and temperate habits, those who know him best argue that his physical health is only part of the equation. Family members and friends are quick to highlight his remarkably positive outlook, his unwavering resilience in the face of adversity, his readiness to show deep affection to his loved ones, and his steadfast commitment to honesty. These character traits have defined his relationships and earned him the deep admiration of everyone in his community.
His 72-year-old daughter, Ruth Sturges, reflected on her father’s enduring disposition and the impact he has had on his family throughout their lives.
"He’s always had such a positive attitude and a cheerful disposition," Ruth Sturges shared. "He’s always been a problem solver. So if there’s a stumbling block or barrier, he’s always looking for a way to fix it, not complain about it."
This resilient and forward-thinking mindset has allowed Dillman to navigate the inevitable challenges of a remarkably long life with grace and determination. Rather than dwelling on difficulties, he has consistently focused on constructive solutions, an approach that has clearly served him well both mentally and physically.
The celebration at Merrill Gardens not only honored a remarkable individual number of years, but also served as a powerful reminder of the enduring bonds of family and community. As generations gathered to celebrate his 108th year, Beryl Dillman remained the center of warmth and wisdom, continuing to inspire everyone around him with his gratitude, joy, and remarkable zest for life.
