Orange County's Oldest Resident Celebrated By Local Heroes

ANAHEIM, CA — Anaheim's oldest resident, Elmer Thill, turned 106 on Sunday and was honored in a drive-by parade of first responders, neighbors, friends, and loved ones. Thill, who still plays his clarinet in a local woodwinds band called "Forever Young," along with his son, was awarded a plaque by the county for being the oldest performing musician in America by OC Supervisor Michelle Steel.

Born in 1914, Thill is an Anaheim native. When he was young, silent films were all the rage. He drove a Model-T Ford and has been honored with riding in that car in town functions.

This year, the parade came to him.

Thill sat on the front porch of his brightly painted home he built over 60 years ago, on Citron Street. There, he played "Happy Birthday" on his clarinet and smiled and waved while the drive-by party passed his home. Anaheim Police and fire department vehicles drove by with lights flashing and sirens whooping. Residents decorated their vehicles with signs, balloons and banners and took video of Elmer on his porch, enjoying the occasion, Behind The Badge writer Stephen Georges says.

All who approached the 106-year-old, in this time of coronavirus, wore masks or practiced social distancing.

Many of them were from his Alma Mater, Anaheim High School. Thill lives just down the street from that school, where he graduated in 1932. Both administrators, faculty and students treat him as a local celebrity, and frequently involves him in their events.

Thill's loves are his clarinet and his son, who plays in the band with him. He also enjoys Halloween and has attended every Anaheim Halloween Festival since he was a boy.

When asked what his secret for long life was? Thill only had one reply: "Don't die."

Sound advice!