Celebrating 101 Years: Riverview’s Fenton Colthorp Marks a Remarkable Milestone

There are birthdays worth celebrating, and then there are birthdays that represent more than a century of memories, service, hard work and a life well lived.

Fenton Colthorp recently celebrated his 101st birthday, marking an incredible milestone for a man whose life story stretches from World War II to decades of service to his Downriver community.

Born and raised in Lansing, Michigan, Fenton would eventually make Riverview his longtime home.

Serving His Country During World War II

As a young man, Fenton answered the call to serve his country during World War II.

He served with the Ninth Air Force for two years and two months, from 1943 to 1946. A newspaper item from the era provides a remarkable glimpse into that chapter of his life: family and friends gathered for a send-off in Fenton’s honor shortly before he was scheduled to enter the armed services on December 4.

After his military service, Fenton continued his education at Michigan State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree.

A 36-Year Career with Kmart

Fenton went on to build a long career with one of Michigan’s most recognizable companies, spending 36 years working in Kmart’s design division.

Away from work, Fenton and his wife, Rudy, built their life and family together. The couple had one son, Randy. Fenton lost Rudy 28 years ago, but the life they shared remains an important part of his story.

23 Years Giving Back to Others

Retirement certainly didn’t mean slowing down.

Beginning in 2001, Fenton became a volunteer with Meals on Wheels, dedicating an extraordinary 23 years to helping others. He continued volunteering through 2024.

Think about that for a moment: Fenton was approaching 100 years old and was still giving his time to others.

That kind of commitment says a great deal about the person behind the milestone.

And volunteering wasn’t the only thing keeping him active. Fenton enjoyed both golf and bowling and continued participating in a bowling league until 2024.

101 Years Worth Celebrating

A 101st birthday is an opportunity to celebrate much more than longevity.

Fenton Colthorp has experienced more than a century of extraordinary change. Along the way, he served his country during wartime, earned a college degree, built a 36-year career, raised a family, remained active in the sports he enjoyed and devoted more than two decades of his retirement to serving others.

For those of us in the Downriver community, his story is also a reminder that some of the most remarkable people are those who have quietly lived, worked, raised their families and helped their neighbors right here among us.

Happy 101st birthday, Fenton!

From all of us in the Downriver community, thank you for your military service, your many years of volunteer service, and the example you’ve set over the course of an extraordinary 101 years.