The festive atmosphere inside the community room was palpable as dozens of attendees gathered to celebrate the centenarian. A striking display of large blue balloons formed the number 108, serving as a vibrant backdrop for the afternoon’s main event. As the crowd erupted into a heartfelt rendition of “Happy Birthday,” Dillman smiled warmly and prepared to extinguish the candles atop a large, elegant white and gold cake. Just as he made his wish, a cascade of 108 blue balloons tumbled down from above, creating a memorable moment captured by local journalists, including a crew from Oregon Public Broadcasting who recorded the festivities under the red light of their cameras.
Despite his advanced age, Dillman remains remarkably engaged with the world around him. Seated comfortably beneath the celebratory decorations, he offered a characteristic reflection on his milestone age that immediately charmed everyone in the room. “You don’t know what it’s like to be 100-plus. I’ve found out and I like it!” the birthday boy declared with a cheerful grin, proving that his quick wit and positive outlook have not diminished with the passing decades.
While Dillman still utilizes a walker to navigate his surroundings at Merrill Gardens, his mind remains remarkably prescient, and his love for music endures, often shining through when he joins in on group songs. The grand celebration also provided a deeply special family milestone of its own, serving as the perfect occasion for Dillman to meet the newest addition to his sprawling family tree: another of his great-grandchildren, Bella Sturges. With 19 great-grandchildren now looking up to him, Dillman stands as a living patriarch whose lineage represents a rich tapestry of family history.
As is often the case when individuals reach extreme old age, admirers and curiosity-seekers frequently ask for the secret to longevity. Across the globe, centenarians frequently credit vastly different lifestyle factors for their impressive lifespans. Some point to a lifelong nonconfrontational attitude that minimizes chronic stress, while others swear by rigorous exercise habits, such as working out multiple times a week or maintaining an active daily routine. For Dillman, however, the cornerstone of his long and healthy life has always centered on mindful nutrition and daily moderation.
When speaking with reporters from Oregon Public Broadcasting, Dillman elaborated on the dietary principles that have guided him throughout his long journey. “Part of the secret is to be careful what you drink and eat,” Dillman told OPB, outlining a philosophy of simple, clean living. Elaborating on the habits that kept him out of harm’s way, he added, “I never bothered with alcohol drinks and things like that.”
Those who know him best, however, note that Dillman’s physical diet is only part of the equation. Friends, staff members, and family frequently point to his emotional and psychological diet as an equally powerful force in his longevity. Throughout his life, Dillman has been widely recognized for his relentlessly positive attitude, his deep capacity to show love to others, his steadfast resilience in the face of obstacles, and an unwavering commitment to telling the truth.
That sunny disposition has left an indelible mark on his family, most notably his 72-year-old daughter, Ruth Sturges. Reflecting on her father’s lifelong approach to adversity, Sturges shared insights into the character that has sustained him through more than a century of life’s unpredictable challenges. “He’s always had such a positive attitude and a cheerful disposition,” Ruth Sturges said. “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.”
Dillman himself has often echoed these sentiments when looking back on his life and the principles that guided him through decades of personal and professional endeavors. On the occasion of his 106th birthday, during an interview with KVAL News, he offered similar pearls of wisdom regarding his conduct and daily habits. “I’ve always tried to be careful what I say and what I do,” he opined at the time, offering a timeless philosophy rooted in personal accountability and mindfulness. During that same milestone interview two years prior, he also touched upon another crucial element of his dietary philosophy, offering advice that remains remarkably simple: do not overeat.
The gathering at Merrill Gardens ultimately served as more than just a birthday party; it was a celebration of a life well-lived, anchored by decades of deliberate choices, emotional resilience, and a deep appreciation for the simple joys of existence. As the afternoon concluded and the cake was shared among the dozens of family members and friends who had traveled to Eugene to be by his side, Beryl Dillman once again demonstrated why he remains a cherished fixture of his community and an inspiring symbol of enduring vitality in the state of Oregon.
