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Celebrating 2 Men, 203 Years Of Life

Tribune photo by FRED BELLET

Frank Thompson celebrated his 103rd birthday at Royal Oak Nursing Center in Dade City.

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By MEGAN HUSSEY

Tribune correspondent

Published: December 13, 2008

DADE CITY - On the occasion of Royal Oak Nursing Center resident Frank Thompson's 103rd birthday, Royal Oak activities director Nila Premer had an apology to make.

"I'm sorry I couldn't fit all your candles on your cake," she told him. "It's against the law to put 103 candles on a cake."

"I know how old I am," Thompson replied with a chuckle. "Everybody doesn't live that long."

Thompson, who has lived in Dade City since 1920, turned 103 on Dec. 5. In addition to Premer and Royal Oak nursing assistant Danielle Rodriquez, he was joined at his birthday celebration by brother Elliott Thompson, nieces Diane Diggs, Celestine Hinson and Danita Young, and nephew Anderson Roache.

"He comes from a well-known family here in Dade City," Roache said.

The son of Dade City luminaries Amie and Love Thompson, his sister and brother-in-law Maggie and Jack Rawls owned Main Street Cleaners. Sister Lucille Irvin was the wife of James Irvin, for whom James Irvin Technical Educational Center was named.

Frank Thompson worked in Dade City citrus groves, was a deacon and trustee at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, and sang in the church's choir. To this day, he sings at and participates in Royal Oak church services.

"The Lord is good," he said.

Thompson sees his faith, in fact, as the key to his longevity, along with a solid exercise regime and a strong work ethic.

"He told me he worked hard all his life, walked everywhere, had a deep faith in God, and prayed a lot," Premer said.

His brother Elliott, 76, said their family has seen many changes in the Dade City area since their childhood.

"There are more businesses, and schools have improved. More people have moved in," he said. "Things are improving."

Thompson's relatives were pleased to join him and celebrate his birthday milestone.

"We feel special and blessed," Celestine Hinson said.

"He's a great inspiration for us," said Anderson Roache.

Royal Oak celebrated another milestone the week of Dec. 1, when resident Nicholas Sayat turned 100 on Dec. 4.

His son Nicholas Sayat Jr., a Dade City resident, and daughter Pamela Watts of Port Richey were among those who celebrated with him at Royal Oak.

"He's a good man," said Nicholas Sayat Jr. "He provided for us."

Father and son ran Sayat's Gas Station in Clearwater, where the family lived. Mother Annelle passed away in 1960; Nicholas Sayat Sr. moved to Port Richey in 1981, and lived there until 2004.

"Just four years ago he was driving a car and living on his own," said Nick Sayat Jr. "He mowed his own lawn and loved to garden and landscape."

The key to Sayat's longevity, said his son, is a life well-lived.

"He's very well-disciplined," he said. "He ate properly, no fatty foods, and never smoked."

According to Premer, Sayat remains active and energetic as a resident at Royal Oak.

"He's awesome, bright and witty," she said. "When we have musical entertainment, he knows the words to every song and says, 'Hallelujah' at the end. He told me he is deeply religious."

Sayat said he feels "OK" about turning 100.

"I'm fine, dandy and as sweet as candy," he said.

MILESTONES

Two residents at Dade City's Royal Oak Nursing Center celebrated birthday milestones the week of Dec. 1. Frank Thompson, a native of Georgia who has lived in Dade City since 1920, turned 103 Dec. 5. Nicholas Sayat, a longtime Clearwater resident who has lived in Dade City since 2004, turned 100 on Dec. 4. Family, friends and Royal Oak staff were in attendance at birthday celebrations conducted in their honor at the center.

To learn more about Royal Oak Nursing Center, call (352) 567-3122.

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