a welllived life

104 Years And Still Going Strong

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By Cynthia McFarland

Many people never live past their eighth decade, let alone hit the century mark. Carl Tomlin has spent a lifetime making the most of each day, and to those who know him, it’s no surprise that this charming gentleman celebrated his 104th birthday this past September 2.

A living testament to what it means to live well, Carl has routinely done all the things doctors recommend for staying healthy—physically and mentally.

Physical activity has been a routine that began when he was growing up in the outskirts of Detroit, Michigan.

“I think I’m a product of the era that I lived through, starting with walking to school when I was a child. I was always very active in sports, Boy Scouts and such,” says Carl, a dedicated swimmer from childhood all the way through his late 90s.

An avid reader, his favorite topics have been history and public a airs. Although his eyesight isn’t what it used to be, Carl still reads regularly but for short periods with time to rest his eyes in between.

He believes in being a “moderate” eater.

“I’ve followed the saying, ‘One should eat to live, not live to eat.’ I’ve never indulged in huge meals except at the holidays,” says Carl, who admits to having a sweet tooth and enjoying a serving of chocolate ice cream every day.

Carl and his late wife, Virginia (“Ginnie”), were married for 72 years. Ginnie was 98 when she passed away in 2014. The couple has five children (three sons and two daughters) and four grandchildren.

Carl served his country in the U.S. Navy and was active duty during WWII. He took part in five major invasion e orts of Japanese-held islands, including the initial invasion of Guadalcanal and the final invasion of Okinawa, and still has vivid memories of those events. He was in the Naval Reserves for 24 years and retired in 1975 as a commander.

Carl worked for the Navy Department in Washington, D.C. as deputy assistant to the Military Sealift Command. It was after retiring from this position 30 years ago that he and Ginnie moved to Florida in search of a milder climate and all the activities our area o ers. Because of their passion for dance, they founded the ballroom dancing club at Oak Run, something they were active in for about 15 years.

In addition to extensive travel across the country and around the world, Carl and Ginnie also lived for a time on the island of St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Carl has lived an extremely full life and continues to do so. He moved to Canterfield of Ocala, an independent and assisted living community, in the spring of 2018.

“Carl’s quick wit leaves you laughing, and his wisdom and sharp mind leave an everlasting imprint long after your conversations are over. He has not only been a blessing in my life but also in the lives of our residents and sta here at Canterfield of Ocala,” says Shilo Montes, marketing director assistant at Canterfield.

“I enjoy my routine, meals and conversations with the other residents. Where I am now is one of my favorite places,” smiles Carl, who continues to inspire people decades younger.