Joseph Mery Arthur achieved a remarkable milestone on Tuesday, celebrating his 110th birthday, officially making him Canada’s oldest reported man. Born in Saint-Marc, Haiti in 1916, Joseph relocated to Montreal 55 years ago, where he was soon joined by his 10 children. Over the years, his family has expanded to include 25 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren, among which is his eight-year-old great-granddaughter, Olivia-Rose Simmons.

Simmons believes that her great-grandfather’s longevity can be attributed to his sharp mind and engaging activities. “He drinks cognac, he reads books, he does crosswords. That’s what you have to do in life,” she expressed, reflecting on Joseph’s habits.

Joseph, however, offers a slightly different perspective on the secret to a long and fulfilling life. “The secret? The secret is to be wise in life. Do everything in moderation,” he stated, embodying a philosophy that emphasizes balance. Despite his advanced age, he remains independent and is still able to walk on his own, leaving his family in awe of his vitality and accomplishments.

“Yes, I still read,” Joseph mentioned, although he acknowledged that his eyesight makes it more challenging. “It’s not very easy with my eyesight anymore, but I have to find a way to pass the time.” His son, Harold Arthur, shared that his father’s passion for sports and his extensive knowledge of game strategies, particularly in baseball and tennis, is most impressive given his age. Harold expressed that they were not surprised by Joseph reaching 110 years old, attributing it to the wisdom and values instilled in him throughout his life. “We talk about wisdom and to not live in excess, and that’s the kind of life that he lived,” Harold remarked.

Joseph’s professional journey includes serving as a public servant in Haiti. After moving to Canada, he worked in a bakery and eventually at the prestigious Queen Elizabeth Hotel, retiring with significant contributions to the community. His deep involvement in various Haitian organizations has created a lasting legacy of hard work and sacrifice, greatly appreciated by his family. “He’s a hard worker,” Harold emphasized. “He didn’t count hours of sacrifices just to make sure that his family was well taken care of.”

While he embraces the wisdom passed down from his father, Harold humorously remarked his hope of not inheriting his father’s genes for longevity. Joseph himself reflected on having prayed not to live past 75. Yet now, he expresses gratitude for reaching this age, having had the chance to meet many of his great-grandchildren.

“In my life, at one point, I asked God to let me stop at 75 years old,” he recalled, revealing a profound sense of reflection on his long life.

Joseph’s family plans to celebrate his extraordinary milestone with a private barbecue gathering over the weekend. Meanwhile, Olivia-Rose has expressed her aspirations for the future, stating, “I want to live until 128, or maybe 90, I don’t know. I don’t know how long I’m going to live up to, but I know I’m gonna be a great person, just like my great-grandfather.”