‘You’ve set to work exhausting to get wherever in life,’ says Arthur Keefe, whose century-long journey has been marked by resilience and function
Arthur Charles “Pat” Keefe, who celebrated his a centesimal birthday Friday, has lived via a world conflict, raised a household, constructed a profession as a chartered accountant, and watched society change in methods as soon as unimaginable.
However his outlook — regular, pragmatic, and grounded in exhausting work — has by no means wavered.
“Do what you’re paid to do, and when it’s finished, ask what’s subsequent,” Keefe mentioned with a smile Friday, seated in his room at Leacock Retirement Lodge in Orillia forward of a celebration in his honour. “That’s the way you get someplace in life.”
Born in London, England, Keefe enlisted within the Royal Air Power on the age of 16, alongside his greatest pal Roland Austin. They shared the objective of becoming a member of the combat in opposition to Nazi Germany earlier than the bombs reached house.
“Winston Churchill knew what was coming,” Keefe recalled. “He figured if he might get a pair dozen younger college students educated to fly, we might go after the Germans and break up their formations. And so I used to be taught to fly.”
Throughout the conflict, Keefe was stationed principally in southern England, shut sufficient to London to really feel the load of each air raid.
One evening, he remembers watching greater than 100 Allied plane fall from the sky.
“You had been used to it by then,” he mentioned quietly. “However that doesn’t imply it didn’t stick with you.”
After the conflict, Keefe discovered his place not in a cockpit, however behind a desk — including numbers in his head with pencil and paper, a long time earlier than digital calculators had been the norm.
“I used to do all my taxes in his head,” he mentioned. “Solely about 5 – 6 years in the past I began double-checking with a calculator — though I actually don’t must.”
His present for numbers was formed by a instructor who inspired him towards bookkeeping. That early steering finally led to an extended, revered profession in accounting.
“When somebody employed me, I’d ask what they wished, then I’d do it,” Keefe mentioned. “When it was finished, I’d say, ‘What else can I do for you?’”
That no-nonsense perspective — equal components self-discipline and humility — has formed each chapter of his life.
When requested what recommendation he would give to youthful generations, Keefe didn’t hesitate.
“Get off the medication and get on the job. You’ve set to work exhausting to get wherever in life,” he mentioned. “Focus. Accomplish one thing. Then transfer on to the subsequent factor.”
Whereas he acknowledges occasions have modified, he additionally believes some issues shouldn’t.
“Individuals speak about their issues — and positive, all of us have them. However you’ve obtained to hold on,” he mentioned. “Lots of people use it as an excuse to not do what they’re alleged to.“
That mindset, he added, is what helped him reside an extended life — together with watching what he eats, staying mentally sharp, and surrounding himself with individuals who maintain him grounded.
“I’m very cautious. That’s the principle factor,” he mentioned. “The man who sits at my desk — he’s obtained to have six plates of all the things. That’s not going to assist him make it to 100.”
On Friday afternoon, workers and pals gathered to mark Keefe’s a centesimal birthday with a little bit cake and laughter — and some outdated conflict tales.
“My circle of relatives, they’ve obtained work to do,” Keefe mentioned.
One among his sons lives in Bangladesh and calls each week. One other son lives in Toronto.
He’s seen generations come and go. He’s tailored to new concepts and new methods of life, however says he hasn’t misplaced religion in what issues; effort, reliability, and humility.
