The Stoneridge Creek community of team members and residents worked together to ensure resident and World War II veteran Dan Ashton’s 100th birthday was recognized.
On Friday, February 23, 2024, Ashton walked through the clubhouse doors to a crowd of family, friends, neighbors, and local dignitaries. The party was a complete surprise to him.
“I don’t cry often, but I cried several times during that week because of all the beautiful things that happened,” he said during an interview with KGO-TV.
Stoneridge Creek’s Life Enrichment Director Susan Filice worked alongside Ashton’s family to organize the monumental moment. Ashton, originally from Oregon, served three years in the Navy as a Navy Lieutenant during WWII. He later became a chemical engineer and moved with his late wife to Pleasanton, CA, in the Bay Area in 1975
“Dan is a really special person,” Filice told McKnights Senior Living reporter Foster Stubbs. “When he moved in 10 years ago, he started a lecture committee and he’s been instrumental in bringing lectures in for the residents that have really enriched the lives of everybody here. He still serves on that committee 10 years later. I just think that kind of speaks a lot about him. He’s a true gentleman in every sense of the word.”
During the birthday surprise, Ashton received recognition from Pleasanton Mayor Karla Brown, who was also in attendance. A group of high schoolers made his birthday wishes come true by delivering hundreds of birthday cards to him.
During a Pleasanton Patch interview, he said the whole thing has been overwhelming. “I received over 500 birthday cards, telephone calls and emails. A lot of the people are people I don’t even know or haven’t talked to in a very long time. I’m very pleased to hear from them again,” he said.
Ashton’s Stoneridge Creek neighbors also surprised him with a flash mob performance to celebrate the monumental event. He later received a congratulatory letter from President Joe Biden.
When asked about his advice for aging gracefully, he said you must pick your ancestry carefully.
“You have to stay socially active,” he told reporters. You must stay with people, do things, and make contributions.”
Ashton has traveled the world on mission trips and helped those impacted by natural disasters, including Hurricane Katrina.
Stoneridge Creek Welcomes You
Dan Ashton chose Stoneridge Creek because of its many engaging lifestyle benefits. Friendships, life enrichment opportunities and fitness programming are just outside your doorstep at Stoneridge Creek. Schedule a tour to discover how our community can help you live your desired retirement lifestyle.