Bonaventure Senior Living is all about embracing life one day at a time. That is exactly what 1996 “Employee of the Century” Arthur Winston did. Winston, a dedicated Los Angeles Metro worker for more than 70 years, lived past his 100th birthday and still serves as a reminder that age is only a number, not a barrier. Here, Bonaventure Senior Living speaks to Interviewing Experts about this American icon.

Interviewing Experts: Where was Arthur Winston born?

Bonaventure Senior Living: He was born in Oklahoma Territory more than a year and a half before the state was accepted into the union.

Interviewing Experts: What was his first job?

Bonaventure Senior Living: After he graduated from Jefferson High School in 1922, he accepted a job at the Los Angeles Railway. He quit after four years because racial barriers barred him from driving a bus.

Interviewing Experts: But he returned?

Bonaventure Senior Living: Yes, he was not going to let racism stop him from being a part of the community. He worked at Los Angeles Railway in various departments until his 100th birthday.

Interviewing Experts: He spent a great deal of time at the Metropolitan Coach Line (MCL), correct?

Bonaventure Senior Living: He was with MCL for 25 years. In 1997 he was transferred, on the day before his 91st birthday, to Division 5, which was later named after him.

Interviewing Experts: Bill Clinton gave him a special commendation. Can you explain?

Bonaventure Senior Living: In 2006, Winston was awarded “Employee of the Century” for having only one unscheduled absence his entire career.

Interviewing Experts: And what was that?

Bonaventure Senior Living: The day his wife Frances passed away in 1988.

Interviewing Experts: How long was he married?

Bonaventure Senior Living: Mr. and Mrs. Winston were married for more than 63 years. They had four children and five grandchildren.

Interviewing Experts: Where did Mr. Winston get such amazing work ethic?

Bonaventure Senior Living: He always said that his father taught him early on that there is value in hard work and dedication.

Interviewing Experts: Arthur was known as an inspiration throughout the Metro Transit Authority, wasn’t he?

Bonaventure Senior Living: Yes, and in the months before his passing, he made a point to visit every department and speak to the younger generation of LA Transit employees. This definitely made an impact on many.

Interviewing Experts: Winston was loved by many. We understand his 100th birthday party was quite the celebration.

Bonaventure Senior Living: It was a grand affair, indeed. More than 150 people—friends, family and coworkers—came out for the barbecue lunch in Chesterfield Square.

Interviewing Experts: And he had some extra-special visitors, right?

Bonaventure Senior Living: Yes, the Laker Girls. He was a big basketball fan and these ladies were absolutely his favorite part of the game. The cheerleaders brought in a massive birthday cake and sat with Arthur as he blew out the candles.

Interviewing Experts: How did Mr. Winston contribute to his longevity?

Bonaventure Senior Living: He didn’t smoke or drink. He always said that stress was a killer and made sure to avoid credit cards. Of course, having an active social life within a large network of family and friends helped.

Interviewing Experts: What did Arthur do in his spare time?

Bonaventure Senior Living: He was passionate about staying active, and on his 100th birthday—when he retired—he said he would spend his days working in the yard and tending the garden.

Interviewing Experts: And he liked to travel?

Bonaventure Senior Living: Yes, he often visited friends around Los Angeles. He had family in Oklahoma and a brother in Tennessee who he liked to go and see. He was not one to sit still.

Arthur Winston passed away peacefully in his sleep after a short illness in 2006. He was surrounded by loved ones, including his 4-year-old great-grandson—his pride and joy.

 

For more than a decade, Bonaventure Senior Living has been helping seniors take life by the horns and ride out their golden years on their own terms. Bonaventure Senior Living offers services ranging from independent retirement living to Alzheimer’s and memory care. With communities in six states, seniors across the Midwest and West Coast can count on Bonaventure Senior Living to provide superior accommodations, exceptional service, and unparalleled amenities.

For more information on Bonaventure Senior Living, visit RetirementPerfected.com.