Our respective communities of Ptarmigan, Highland Meadows, and Highland Hills have seen and witnessed many accomplishments, successes, and milestones from residents that have been featured through the years with articles, stories, and recognitions in Stroll Ptarmigan Hills & Meadows magazine. Such is the case with Ptarmigan resident Dick Garver. In the November 2024 edition of Stroll magazine, which honored our veterans, Ptarmigan resident Dick Garver was featured as a surviving and still living World War II veteran. In fact, during our fact-checking process, it appeared that he may be the only surviving World War II veteran across all three of our communities.

 

Fast forward. On March 16, 2025, Dick Garver turned 100 years “young”. I caught up with Dick and his lovely wife Ninna to have them recognized in our magazine. Dick, 100 and Ninna 14 years younger at 86 were married on September 1, 1961, at the worldwide famous Wayfarers Chapel located along the southern California coast.  

 

To celebrate this milestone, 18 members of the Garver family gathered at Ptarmigan Country Club including their four children, eight grandchildren and four great grandchildren to celebrate Dick's 100th birthday. The Garvers moved to the Ptarmigan community in January 2019 to be closer to their family.

 

During our interview, Dick made a point to tell me—half laughing, but with a serious undertone, “The only reason I’m still here at 100 years old is my wife, Ninna. She is my rock.” At the end of our conversation, Dick wanted it to be known that he still has a valid driver’s license and can still safely drive on short distances with Ninna by his side.

 

Even at this late printing since his birthday on March 16th, our three communities can celebrate this incredible milestone with the Garver family.