CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - Bill Malkasian had 101 reasons to kick up his heels last week.

His century-plus-one celebration included a family reunion at Del Paso Country Club and a special birthday luncheon at his Oakmont of Carmichael home. Icing on the cake was a visit from the US Marines, whose officers presented a commendation for his military service.

“I had no idea they were coming,” enthused Malkasian. “In my day, I had little to do with top ranking officers. These guys were top brass. I was just a sergeant. I felt great when they saluted me.”

The son of Armenian refugees, bilingual Malkasian grew up in Boston, MA. His high school years were distinguished with good academic grades and sporting excellence.

WWII loomed as he started college and the teenager enlisted with the US Marines. He served as a drill sergeant and combat trainer but – ever a jock – Private Malkasian was in greater demand for playing baseball and football in Marine Corp and Navy teams.

His had a minor role in history when, in 1945, his platoon met President Franklin Roosevelt’s coffin at Washington DC railway station. He and brother Marines escorted the casket to lie in state at the White House. “I was one of the Marines who stood guard over him at the Rotunda,” recalls Malkasian. “It was one of the great honors of my life. He was a great man.”

Post war, he signed a baseball contract with the Chicago White Sox and played catcher and outfielder in minor league games. He was not disappointed when this career was cut short by injury; Malkasian happily resumed the education interrupted by war. His Bachelor’s in education came from the University of Western Illinois; his Master’s was from Boston University. Armed for a teaching career, he headed to Sacramento in 1950. Teaching history for Grant School District was inevitably spelled by football and baseball coaching. He and his first wife, concert pianist Leanore, raised a daughter and two sons.

In the 1960s, the teacher became Principal at Del Paso Junior High. His final job was Principal of Grant High school, from which he retired in 1983. He remarried after Leanore’s death in 1995; he and second wife Marilyn have lived at Oakmont for three years.  

Thoughts on turning 101: “It’s not much different from being 91,” Bill Malkasian considers. “I love people. I love my wife and my kids and grandkids. My birthday was great. I was surprised and happy when the Marines showed up. They’re my guys and we always stick together. I still have my uniform somewhere. It wouldn’t fit now, but as they say, once a Marine, always a Marine.”