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President sends birthday greeting
(by Sue Reid - October 26, 2011)
President sends birthday greeting
By SUE REID
When Solon resident John Shimits turned 101 in April, little did he know the "half" birthday wish he would receive six months later.
Thanks to his lifelong friend and fellow Solon resident John Kurpell, Mr. Shimits' "101 and a half" birthday wish came straight from President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle.
The letter was presented to Mr. Shimits as a surprise last week, prior to the start of the clam bake held at the Solon Senior Center.
"Gramps" had no idea what was coming, his grandson Robert Shimits, a Solon firefighter who was in attendance at the celebration, said.
"He didn't say too much," Mr. Shimits said of his grandfather when presented the letter. He was surprised and thought the letter was "very nice."
Mr. Kurpell, along with Mayor Susan A. Drucker, presented to Mr. Shimits the letter, which had the signature of both the president and the first lady.
Mr. Kurpell, 90, said Mr. Shimits is "very deserving of the honor." He was the thought behind the entire idea and began his efforts of making this happen by contacting U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown a few months ago.
"I was very persistent," Mr. Kurpell said. He said that he appreciates all the efforts of the senator in helping him along the process of getting the letter from Washington. "I told the senator that John Shimits is a friend to everyone and a really nice guy." In emails back and forth, Mr. Kurpell would provide him with more information on Mr. Shimits.
"I thought I was barking up the wrong tree," Mr. Kurpell said, while waiting for a response from the president, "but finally, the letter arrived to my house from Washington."
In it, the Obamas praise Mr. Shimits on reaching such a milestone birthday.
It reads: "We send you our belated best wishes on this momentous occasion. For over a century, you have witnessed great milestones in our nation's history and your 101 years represents an important part of the American story.
"As you reflect upon a lifetime of memories, we hope you are filled with tremendous pride and joy. Congratulations on your birthday and may you enjoy many more happy years as a centenarian. Sincerely, President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama."
Mr. Kurpell said he was thrilled to be able to do this for his friend.
"We have been friends a long time," Mr. Kurpell said. He remembers the first time they met more than 50 years ago. They were both members at St. Rita's Church, and Mr. Shimits tapped Mr. Kurpell on the shoulder, stating help was needed. He asked Mr. Kurpell to be an usher and that he would show him the ropes. Mr. Kurpell has been an usher ever since, and the two have remained great friends.
In attendance for the presentation of the letter to Mr. Shimits were many of his family members, including his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In all, he has two children, seven grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren. Mr. Shimits said his grandfather is the oldest, if not one of the oldest, residents of Solon.
Born from Croatian parents, Mr. Shimits grew up on a farm in North Randall, first moving to Solon in the 1930s. He said he has seen the city grow from scratch.
Besides a knee replacement a few years back, Mr. Shimits lives a healthy, active life, attending the senior center regularly.
For years, Mr. Shimits ran a successful heating and air conditioning business, installing many of Solon's furnaces and air-conditioning units. Up until about three years ago, people were still calling him for work, he said.
Mr. Kurpell said Mr. Shimits helped him with equipment in his own home.
Mr. Shimits takes part in Solon Home Days and even served as its grand marshal last year. For the parade, he rode his grandson Robert's old-fashioned fire truck.
Mr. Shimits said he enjoys going down to Shadow Lake and watching the fisherman. An avid reader, he enjoys National Geographic and any science fiction-type book. A charter member of the Lions Club and Knights of Columbus, Mr. Shimits remains a member of St. Rita Church.
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