This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

Man Gets a Year's Free Rent for 100th

David Naidus celebrated a century of life on Monday with friends, family and the media.

David Naidus lived through two world wars. He rode the rails during the Great Depression. Later, he found success in real estate.

On Monday, friends and family of Naidus gathered at Park Newport, where he is a resident, to throw him a surprise party for his 100th birthday.

"You're a movie star today," Park Newport Property Administrator Mark Rogers said to Naidus as TV news cameras captured the event.

Find out what's happening in Newport Beach-Corona Del Marwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

During the party, Rogers announced that Park Newport was giving Naidus free rent for a year—valued at about $25,000.

"We decided it would be wonderful for Park Newport to acknowledge him. This is certainly one of the most special things I've done since I've been working here."

Find out what's happening in Newport Beach-Corona Del Marwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

When asked by a TV news reporter what he thought of the gift, Naidus said it was "unbelievable."

"We thank Park Newport," son George Naidus said. "It's wonderful."

"My dad's a little overwhelmed today. This is just terrific. He's always been a very humble person. He minimizes being 100," he said.

When asked by someone in the crowd to what did he attribute his long life, Naidus said, "Genetics. My father was 97 when he died. For 35 years, I went to the gym—and I watch what I eat. That's about it."

"That and two shots of Johnny Walker a day," someone from the crowed chimed in. "God bless you, David, and God bless Johnny Walker!"

Naidus nodded his head and chuckled.

Born in London on April 11, 1911, Naidus witnessed firsthand events during World War I.

"In World War I in London, " Naidus said, "there was a German zeppelin flying overhead. It got shot and it turned into one huge red ball of fire. I'll never forget that." 

In 1918, Naidus traveled across the Atlantic to Hamilton, Ontario in Canada.

Years later, according to his son, Naidus struggled during the The Great Depression. 

"My dad rode the rails as a transient for a number of years," George Naidus said. "He did whatever he could to survive. Worked in a machine shop. Sold newspapers."

In the early 1940s, Naidus joined the Royal Canadian Ordnance Corps. According to Naidus, his outpost was there to stop German U-boats from coming up the St. Lawrence River.

"Our outpost captured a spy," Naidus recalled.

After World War II, Naidus married his first wife and lived in Toronto, Ontario. He worked for his father-in-law in the clothing business. In the early 1950s, he bought an old hotel as a real estate investment in downtown Toronto.

Around 1955, his wife developed severe asthma. Doctors told Naidus to move his spouse to a warmer and drier climate. Naidus sold his hotel in Toronto.

"He used the money to buy a dilapidated old house near MGM Studios in Palms, California [in Los Angeles]," George Naidus said.

Naidus tore down the house and built multiple units on the property. 

"That's how my Dad earned a living for the next 50 years," George Naidus said. "When I was a kid, one of the best memories of my dad was sitting in a wading pool at the back of the house and playing on a hot San Fernando Valley day."

"My Dad was and is a huge Lakers and Dodgers fan. One of my favorite memories is of my Dad taking us to Dodger games back in the 1970s. We would watch Don Drysdale pitch shutouts," said other son Walt Naidus.

Grandson Steven Naidus also was at the party. 

"My Grandfather would take me to the deli at the Sherman Oaks Mall," he said. "We had a good time."

These days, Walt Naidus said, the elder Naidus enjoys fine dining.

"We go out together. I've never been to so many great restaurants until now. He loves La Cave Steakhouse and Wildfish Grille."

During the party, someone asked Naidus what his greatest achievement was. 

Son George Naidus answered: "His biggest achievement is how humble and thoughtful he is. He took care of two wives through long, sustained ilnesses."

It's not too late to wish David Naidus a happy birthday. Send correspondences to David Naidus  C/O Park Newport Apartments, 1 Park Newport, Newport Beach 92660.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?