As Rick Miller settles into his apartment at Avamere’s assisted living center on SE 30th Ave., he tries to see his new environment through his grandfather’s eyes….
Miller, though, is not a typical resident. First of all, he’s far too young. But he’s also founder and chief executive officer of Avamere Group. That makes him boss of the 4,000 staff at its health care service companies throughout the Pacific Northwest.
Mel Garten is one of the most decorated soldiers in American history and he has the medals to prove it.
While serving 30 years and in three wars, Col. Garten was awarded five Purple Hearts, four Silver Stars, five Bronze Stars, 20 ribbons, and many more honors. One of his most remarkable exploits was a rescue mission in World War II in which he helped to free 2,500 U.S. POWs in a Japanese labor camp.
Three residents of Avamere at Bethany have reached that milestone, and they share their thoughts on living so long.
There just may be a fountain of youth at the Avamere at Bethany senior community because centenarians keep springing up.
Much-honored General Jim Thayer of Lake Oswego is still going strong at the age of 87.
Jim Thayer is the luckiest man in the world.
If Hollywood ever made a movie about him, and they should, it should be called It’s A REALLY Wonderful Life, because compared to Thayer, James Stewart was Hard Luck Charlie.