PORTLAND, Ore. (WFLA/KATU) – A World War II veteran recently celebrated his 98th birthday doing what he loves to do the most, going to an Oregon gym for his workout!
Fred Lawrence and his friend Jeramy Yvarra have been gym buddies for a few years now.
Lawrence recently turned 98-years-old and works out at the gym 3 days a week.
“It makes me feel like I’m strengthening what’s here,” he said.
He is a retired Marine who survived three tours of duty and went on to be a pastor.
“He’s just an incredible man and a true inspiration to me. Every time I see Fred it’s like, ‘man, I hope at that age I’m still here,’” said Yvarra.
Lawrence said he’s grateful to be alive every day.
His friends at 24 Hour Fitness are grateful for him.
“Fred to me is kind of like an adopted grandpa. Every time I see him, he gives me a big hug and tells me how happy he is to see me. And I think one of the other things I learn from Fred is the amount of gratitude he has for life,” Yvarra said.
