Local WWII veteran celebrates 100th birthday at his favorite Valley restaurant

WASILLA — Local WWII veteran Stu Bowdoin turned 100 years old Wednesday, Jan. 26. The staff at his favorite Valley eatery, the Mat-Su Family restaurant celebrated the milestone with a special birthday celebration.

Bowdoin ate breakfast at the Mat-Su Family Restaurant with his son James as Mat-Su Family Restaurant staff lit the candles on his cake and circled around him to sing “Happy Birthday.”

“He’s one of our favorites, for sure,” server Kelly Boughton said.

Bowdoin is a regular at the Wasilla establishment located within the Pioneer Plaza, overlooking the railroad tracks and Parks Highway. He said that he’s frequented the restaurant since 1982, and started coming every day in recent years.

“I think I’ve had most of the menu,” Bowdoin said with a laugh. “The food’s been good. It’s changed over the years, but it’s been good. I haven’t had anything to complain about, and the prices are reasonable compared to the other places around town these days. Where else can you get a slice of ham, eggs, toast, and potatoes for $10.50? It makes a big difference especially since everything’s going up.”

Bowdoin has lived in Alaska for nearly 70 years after driving up the Alcan. It’s the place where he spent his honeymoon and the place he’s happy to call home. He said that he grew up in Maine, so the weather is essentially the same and doesn’t bother him. He said that he enjoyed raising his family in Alaska and living here fulfills a lifelong dream.

“I’ve been wanting to come up since I was a kid,” Bowdoin said.

Bowdoin served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He said that he started with the National Guard and was sworn into the Army when the war broke out, and served through 1945.

Making it to 100 years old is a rare milestone. Bowdoin seemed content with taking the day like any other at the Mat-Su Family Restaurant.

“I can’t tell the difference,” Bowdoin said with a laugh.

Boughton organized the party for Bowdoin after learning that he was going to turn 100. She said this sort of opportunity seldom comes around in a lifetime and it felt great to be a part of the special day.

“I thought, ‘we’ve got to do something,’” Boughton said. “He deserves recognition for that.”

Boughton said that making these lasting connections with customers is part of their core identity at the restaurant. She said that’s the most enjoyable part of the job.

“We love our customers coming in here, and we take care of them best as we can,” Boughton said.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@fontiersman.com