Edmonds man celebrates 100 years

Published 12:41 pm Wednesday, April 8, 2009

A crowd of friends and family packed the dining room of Sunrise of Edmonds assisted living facility April 5 to wish a happy 100th birthday to a tender-hearted senior prom king.

John Sherman Mills, known to many as Sherm, came to Seattle from Oklahoma when he was 19 years old. He worked in his aunt’s flower shop delivering flowers, but had to stop because of an allergy to a flower variety. He took a job at Haines’ Wharf — where Meadowdale Marina is today — and has stayed close, residing in Edmonds since then.

Sherm married his wife, Francine Haines, in 1936 and the couple had two children. He built a house in Meadowdale and opened Mills Marina on 172nd Street and Aurora Avenue North in Shoreline. After retiring in 1958, the couple went traveling around the country and the world, he said.

“We traveled all over,” Sherm said. “To Norway, London, Vienna…they all had their special charm.”

The couple were married for 72 years before Francine passed away in August 2008.

“He didn’t want to celebrate his 100th birthday without her,” said Jan Hansen, Sherm’s daughter. “Unfortunately, that’s not how it turned out.”

The affection he showed for his wife was apparent to many, according to Andrew Sheppard, executive director of Sunrise Senior Living in Edmonds.

“He endeared himself to everyone with his loving relationship to his wife,” he said.

Sherm has a gift for trivia, especially about geography and history, according to front desk concierge Prudence Madsen. Others have first-hand knowledge of his flare for dancing. In December, he was named Senior Prom King when Edmonds-Woodway High School DECA students hosted a senior prom. At one point he tried passing on a tape of dance instructions to his grandson and his wife so they could learn the dance steps he has enjoyed throughout his lifetime.

“He had us listen to it because he wanted us to learn,” Cyndi Hansen said. “He and Grammy took lessons in their younger years.”

To many, Sherm is remarkably kind. Niece Wilma Bruce said he couldn’t keep from tearing up after she arrived for his birthday celebration. Although he left for Seattle when she was only a baby, for Bruce, the relationship he shared with his oldest sister made his presence felt.

“He’s always said my mother babied him but because of the closeness between him and my mother it always seemed like he was right next door,” she said.

During the celebration, Sherm said he felt lucky and that he feels the joy in his life has contributed to reaching his 100th birthday. His birthday wish was for his family.

“I just wish, for all my family, happiness,” Sherm said. “If I can make anyone happy then that will make me happy.”