George Chanter Celebrates 106 Years of Life!

On Thursday, September 19, an extraordinary birthday celebration took place in the sunlit chapel at Life Enriching Communities’ Concord Reserve senior life plan community in Westlake. 

George Chanter’s 106th birthday party was a festive occasion where George, Concord Reserve associates, friends, and family congratulated him, took selfies with him and his family, and shared George’s favorite cake from Costco. 

He is beloved at Concord Reserve for his sharp wit, engaging stories, and contagious smile.

The chapel was a festive space filled with bright decorations in red and gold, George’s favorite colors. The big screen at the front of the chapel included birthday greetings—“Happy 106th,George!” —noting that guests could later listen to a recent podcast George participated in during the festivities.

George grew up in Dundas, Canada, and moved to Cleveland in 1955 to work for Ford Motor Company. During the party, he received a proclamation from Canada’s Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau.  This prompted George to tell a story about Trudeau’s father, Pierre, who was not a fan of the United States. “Pierre said living next to the U.S. was like sleeping beside an elephant,” George recalled. George also fondly remembered his childhood in Canada skating on a frozen creek, where everyone played hockey with or without skates.

More accolades followed when Westlake Mayor Dennis M. Clough presented George with a proclamation to honor him. 

George was married to the late Lois Hotrum. He is blessed with two children, six grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren. His family and Concord Reserve associates told stories of George to the delight of everyone, including his many shenanigans and how he continually amazed them.

George sat at the center of it all, balloons with the numbers one, zero, and six flying behind him.

George clearly enjoyed the party, and his eyes sparkled with energy. After photos of George, the mayor, his family, friends, and Concord Reserve associates, everyone enjoyed chocolate or vanilla cake. Residents and associates lingered to listen to a podcast George participated in recently.

Before the party ended, George’s family gathered around for a final birthday wish. They  celebrated 106 years of his extraordinary life and all the moments like these, filled with love, laughter, and the simple joy of being together.