It’s a pretty well-known fact by now that Fair Haven’s Ken Curchin turned 100 on April 19.

The centenarian who’s favorite mantra is “Never quit!” led what he called a simple life enriched by family and attaining his dream of becoming a pilot when the odds were against him. After helping construct the Alcan Highway in Alaska during World War II, Ken Curchin ended up flying a B-17 Bomber in the war.

Never giving up on your dreams is his advice. The pilot who was also a well-known and liked barber in his family’s shop in Red Bank gives a belly laugh like no other when he tells Rumson-Fair Haven Retrospect in his special way that it certainly took long enough for the newspaper to be interested in “little old Kenny Curchin over here in Fair Haven all these years.”

Well, guess what, Mr. Curchin? You’re in the paper for a third (maybe fourth) time!

Yes, it’s only right that the Retro Pic(s) of the Day honor the centenarian with a glimpse of him as a pilot in the war and a roustabout (or something like that) on his motorcycle.

Godspeed to a dreamer and a hometown hero!