These days, a search for Waldo McBurney on the internet will bring up pages of hits. His name is popping up everywhere, from news articles to blogs.

In October, Waldo McBurney, a member and elder in the Quinter, Kan., RPC, was honored as “America’s Oldest Worker” by Experience Works, a nonprofit organization that provides training and employment services for mature workers. Each year at their Prime Time Awards Program, they honor outstanding older workers from every state, as well as outstanding employers of older workers.

“I’m not a strong believer in retirement,” McBurney said in an article by the Associated Press. “I don’t think retirement is in the Bible. Maybe it’s there, but I haven’t found it.”

This year’s celebration was held at the Hotel Washington in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 3–5. On Tuesday evening, Waldo and members of his family were taken to dinner by one of the companies being honored. Accompanying Waldo were his wife, Vernice, son, Kenneth, daughter, Ruth Mann, stepson, Rhea Forman, stepson, John Forman, and several other relatives. Later that evening, a party honoring Waldo on his 104th birthday was attended by the other honorees and their families.

On Wednesday morning, a welcome breakfast was held followed by a press conference announcing Waldo to the national media as America’s Oldest Worker. He received a lot of media attention and was a guest on a broadcast TV show.

Thursday evening was the climax of the week, with an awards ceremony and banquet in the ballroom of the historic Willard Intercontinental Hotel. Each honoree was introduced with a summary of their accomplishments, and Waldo received a marble plaque. Waldo was the “toast of the town,” with a great number of people congratulating him for his birthday and award.

—Fran Mann, correspondent