MAN, 106, HAS SEEN WARS AND PANDEMICS
Vista man, Warren Gill Charters, had his birthday on Dec. 23
Warren Gill Charters, a retiree at Pacifica Senior Living in Vista, has lived through two pandemics, multiple wars, and the Great Depression and he’s still going strong, having celebrated his 106th birthday last week.
Charters, a retired teacher and YMCA director, turned 106 on Dec. 23. Born in Ohio in 1914, Charter, an only child, met his wife, Lois Closson, at a square dance while he attended Springfield College in the 1940s, beginning a love story that would last 65 years.
The young couple moved to California shortly after they married, and Charters earned his master’s degree in physical education from California State University, Los Angeles. They had three children, all boys, and moved to Oceanside after Charters retired in 1975.
They lived independently until about 2011 then moved to Pacifica Senior Living. Lois died in 2014.
At 106, Charters said Tuesday that much of the joy in his life comes from building relationships and spending time with friends, family and his community.
He also enjoyed traveling abroad with his wife for monthlong adventures and coaching basketball. Among all sports, golf was Charters’ “true love,” said Harry Charters, his son.
Warren Gill Charters said finding joy in the new adventure presented by each new day had helped him live a good and happy life.
“I take it as it comes,” he said.
“Give to others; say your prayers at night,” Charters advised. “Fill your life with love and curiosity. Be inquisitive. Try and find something new and go with it.”
The world has changed much in 106 years. Charters said technology he could not have imagined as a child has made it possible for him to see his family and friends amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
For example, Charters was able to enjoy a virtual birthday party with friends and family over a Zoom video chat. He used a laptop provided by Pacifica employees and a connection to his television, one of his sons said.
When Charters was about 7 years old, there was one radio in Hunting ton, Ind., where he lived.
“There was only one radio station,” Charters said. “The whole town would gather by the new hotel, listening to the major broadcast.”
Charters recalled little about the Spanish f lu pandemic that gripped the globe from 1918 to 1920, infecting half a billion people.
As for the current COVID-19 pandemic, Charters said it has limited his activities.
“The virus stuck me in a corner” Charters said. “Every time I wanted to do something, they (Pacifica staff ) say no. I didn’t get to bang around much.”
Charters’ son said he has not tested positive for COVID-19. His three sons have visited him on his balcony, although Charters stays inside.
The pandemic has not prevented Charters from pursuing his hobbies, such as painting. He said he plans to paint a view from his window in the near future.
Along with the view, Charters can also admire a new decoration on his wall. The mayor of Vista, Judy Ritter, sent a proclamation recognizing his 106th birthday.
Charters said he is looking forward to his 107th birthday and watching his family continue to grow. He said there are about 300 people in the Charters family, and a new great-granddaughter, who will be christened soon in Texas.