Ray Jenkins who celebrated his 101st birthday on July 18, 2007, at work when he was 100 years old
On August 18, 2007, when IBM held its 50th Anniversary Celebration here in Vermont, Ray Jenkins was given a plaque from Plant Manager John Ditoro for being the oldest IBM Retiree. Now he is receiving another award, America's Oldest Worker. If you go down to the fair, you are apt to see Ray walking around with his cane. A remarkable man and his memory at the IBM Anniversary is still great.
Below is what was written by Jack Thurston of Channel 3 News:
The Champlain Valley Fair is 86 years old. But that's nothing compared to the age of one employee.
Ray Jenkins is 101. He works for fairgrounds maintenance, keeping records for when the equipment needs servicing or repair.
He told us last year he planned to retire at age 100. But that never happened. The former IBM employee came back again to work alongside his children at this year's fair.
He says he'll be back next year, too -- if he feels as well as he does today.
"I can't sit still and do nothing," exclaims Jenkins. "I've got to be active. And if I'm not active, I'm gone. I think that's the trouble with a good many people. When they retire, they retire. They should not do that. They should find work and do something... Keep their mind and body active."
Just this month a Virginia group called Experience Works that provides training for seniors to re-enter the workforce named Ray Jenkins "America's Oldest Worker" for 2007. They will fly him to Washington, D.C. in October for tours and an awards ceremony, free.
Jack Thurston - WCAX News[/b]
