Walter Webster of Medina celebrates 100th birthday

Photos contributed: Walter Webster of Medina is shown in his high school graduation photo. Webster celebrated his 100th birthday Thursday with an open house at the home of his daughter and son-in-law, Gail and John Vogt of Lyndonville.

MEDINA – Thursday was a day to celebrate for Walter Webster of Medina.

Webster was born June 9, 1922, a son of the late Walter and Carrie Mae Webster.

On Thursday, he was honored on the occasion of his 100th birthday at an open house at the home of his daughter and son-in-law, Gail and John Vogt of Lyndonville. Dozens of friends and family stopped by to wish him well.

A lifelong resident of Medina, Webster graduated from Medina High School in 1942. He married the love of his life, Ione Rorick, on Aug, 4, 1946. Together, they raised their three children, David Webster, Gail (John) Vogt and Bruce (Molly) Webster on the family farm, where Walter farmed for 76 years.

After Ione died 14 years ago, Walter became a resident of Briarwood Manor in Lockport, until moving to the North Wing at Medina Memorial Hospital.

After his retirement from farming, Walter kept active. He was an avid bowler, loved playing euchre at the Senior Center and rode his bike on the towpath until he was 90.

His friends lovingly refer to him as “Wrong Way Webster,” a nickname he earned in high school after running the football 66 yards in the wrong direction.

Walter is an avid Buffalo Bills fan, as well as a big Medina Mustangs supporter. He loves mashed potatoes and oatmeal.

He said one of the reasons he has lived to be 100 is because of the dedicated staff at the North Wing.