Today is my grandpa's official 90th birthday...so this post is dedicated to him. Over the last few weeks, I scanned old pictures, made a photo book on Shutterfly and created a slideshow in iMovie. It was so fun to see all the old pictures and to learn about my grandfather's life.
This afternoon, we will celebrate his birthday at McDonald's, where he goes for tea and time with his buddies twice a day (morning and afternoon). Happy Birthday, Grandpa!
Here's a little bio I wrote about my grandpa:
Charles Perrien was born on Aug. 18, 1919 to Nora and Edward in Little Rock, Arkansas. It was the year that Prohibition began, the Black Sox World Series Scandal (Cincinnati Reds "win"), and the Treaty of Versailles was signed, ending World War I.
As a young child, Charlie's family moved to Iowa where he spent his days working on the farm with his five brothers (Earl, Al, Roy, Joe and Donald), and two sisters (Birdie and Kay). At age 16, he left home to live and work at Goodrich Dairy. His favorite job to do at the dairy was freezing the ice cream, which is why we’ll be having some homemade ice cream later tonight.
Charles (19) was introduced to Jean (18) by her sister, Norma, who had stopped by the telephone company one afternoon while Jean was working. Jean "couldn't take her eyes off him" because when she heard the name “Charlie” she expected an old man. And, the handsome man that stood before her was anything but old. That night, after work, he walked her home and every night after that.
They were married in secret in her parents' home on Dec. 26, 1941. Jean was not permitted to be married as a switchboard operator, and Chuck, who was already enlisted in the U.S. Calvary, did not have permission for the union. Shortly after the ceremony, Charles left to serve in Texas and later in the Philippines as a Sergeant in World War II.
Upon returning from the war, Charles and Jean started a family. Marlene was born in 1949, Kelvin in 1951, and Cheryl in 1954. The family moved to California, where Charles began a 20-year career as a produce manager and inspector in Gilroy, and later, Santa Clara. He became known for his impeccable judgment of “all things fruit.” Becoming the “authority” of whether the peaches or plums would make it to market.
While laying in bed late one night, Charlie told Jean said, "It is time to teach the kids about farm life." In 1968, the family moved to Turlock where they had purchased a 20-acre peach farm. The farm was sold in the late 70s and a "peach-colored" Wal-Mart now resides on the property. Their family dog “Peaches” is buried in the garden department of the store.
In his retirement, Charles continued his love for growing things through his garden and rose bush collection. His grandchildren fondly remember “the danger” of hiding among the bushes, lest they get snagged by a thorn. He also began building and selling wooden birdhouses, benches, picnic tables and Adirondack chairs. Today, he is known all over Turlock for his woodworking, frequently making custom benches and furniture for local businesses and families.
The Perrien family has continued to grow. Charles has five grandchildren (Toby, Meredith, Megan, Janna, and Melissa) and four great-grandchildren (Lexy, Morgan, Brenden, Anne, and Jack).
