The Truth Staff
Ervin Arney a/k/a “Poppie” celebrated his 95th birthday on Saturday October 25 at Angelo’s Northwood Villa and more than 100 family members and friends made sure that he didn’t celebrate the special occasion all by himself.
It was a night filled with song, poetry and heartfelt memories of what Poppie has meant to countless family members and friends, over several generations.
The celebration took place in the Villa’s main dining room where the guests were served dinner after the accolades to Poppie from family members.
Brittani Taylor, Poppie’s granddaughter-in-law read a poem thanking him for all he has done for his family – “a doting, tender father who always saves the day … a proud caring hands-on grandfather … the neighbor and cousin who always shows up for others.”
Poppie has five children, five grandchildren, two great grandchildren and one great, great grandchild. His daughter Kim Taylor was one of the key organizers of the birthday party. His son, Samuel Arney, and Samuel’s wife, Kim, read a proclamation from the Lucas County Commissioners congratulating Poppie on his 95th birthday and thanking him for all his contributions to family and community over those years.
Nephew Frederick Price and Johnny Jordan paid tribute to Poppie by regaling the guests with tales of his humorous adventures over the years that they were fortunate enough to be part of.
One of the wonderful highlights of the event was a song for the occasion written and sung by Poppie’s oldest granddaughter Caniecia Edwards.
“Poppie, you’ve always been my guiding light,” sang Edwards to her grandfather to open her tuneful tribute.
Fifteen years ago, Ervin Arney was treated to a surprise birthday party to celebrate his 80th. On that occasion a poem was written for him which extolled the merits of celebrating more birthdays, especially his 90th. He has had that good fortune, much to the delight of his family, to greatly exceed that goal.
“You are an original for which there is no copy,” noted Brittani Taylor during her poem to Poppie.
