Keeping a good outlook on life

Marisa O’Neil

He sold toys for more than 40 years, and now Ernie Kahn is young at

heart at nearly 102 years old.

Family members and residents at the Newport Beach Plaza retirement

community gathered Friday afternoon to celebrate Kahn’s more than a

century of life. Jennifer Gifford, program director at the community,

readied a bouquet of balloons for the surprise party -- a precursor

to his big 102nd birthday tomorrow.

“He’s a great guy,” Gifford said. “His outlook on life is so

wonderful.”

Kahn has lived in the community for only a few months but already

has a checkers buddy in James Teggart, 95.

“I enjoy his company,” Teggart said. “We’re quite happy to have

our game.”

Another friend, 90-year-old Arthur Bernstein, pointed out that

Kahn never takes the elevator to his second-floor room, preferring to

get his exercise on the stairs. And he loves sitting outside, soaking

in the sun.

With balloons ready and refreshments set out, Kahn made his

entrance with his son, 69-year-old Jerry Kahn, of Huntington Beach.

“Hello, handsome!” Gifford beamed as the honoree passed her.

He stopped and turned to blow a double-handed kiss to her.

Then she let slip with the news -- it was a birthday party for

him, complete with birthday wishes from Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger

and George and Laura Bush.

Ernie Kahn got up and blew some more kisses to the whole room.

“I hope everyone has more than 102 years,” he told them.

Born in 1903, Ernie Kahn grew up in Detroit and later moved to

Pasadena, his son said. He worked as a factory representative for

many different toy companies, including Madame Alexander dolls, Gund

stuffed animals and Tiny Tears baby dolls.

“I used to tell a lot of stories,” Ernie Kahn said. “Being a

salesman, you have to tell stories to get an order.”

Jerry Kahn credited his father’s longevity to not smoking and

having only the occasional tipple.

“And he was an avid golfer,” Jerry Kahn said. “He golfed until he

couldn’t find anyone to play with him. They all died off.”

Ernie Kahn, who outlived two wives, had another explanation.

“I was married to a young woman,” he said, then corrected himself.

“I was married to two young women.”