Shake hands with Alex Leblanc and you'll notice a vise-like grip.
It would be considered firm for a 25-year-old. It's remarkably so for someone who is 106.
Leblanc, who lives at an apartment complex on Prospect Street, will celebrate his 107th birthday on Sept. 12.
Leblanc's daughter, Diane Quagliozzi, attributed her father's longevity to some clean living.
He doesn't smoke, although he does remember when cigarettes were "10 cents" a pack - and the only drink he throws back with regularity is tea.
"It's just a good family life, good values, and a good sense of humor," Quagliozzi said. "He always laughs."
Leblanc takes his good fortune in stride.
"Just hanging on from one day to the other," Leblanc said with a smile.
For someone who's about to reach 107, health problems have fortunately been few and far between. Even now, Leblanc only takes one prescription pill - for his blood pressure.
Leblanc moved to Waltham in 1962 from Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada, in search of more promising employment.
At one time he worked as a machinist for a company that worked on robotics for the Apollo moon missions, Quagliozzi said.
Leblanc now has five children - another daughter is deceased - 14 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren. And another great-grandchild is due in September.
LeBlanc married his wife Anna in 1932. The two remained in wedded bliss until Anna's death in 1999.
Leblanc still lives by himself. Quagliozzi, who lives in Billerica, said she visits her father regularly to make sure he gets out of the house.
"I try to take him out every day for a ride in the car," she said.
And Leblanc seems like someone who loves the activity.
He didn't retire until the age of 82. He drove until he was 98.
Leblanc has received a proclamation from Mayor Jeannette McCarthy, as well as recognition from the Roman Catholic Church, the governor, and even the president each time he reaches another milestone.
Perhaps Leblanc's most memorable birthday was his 100th. A day before the momentous occasion, "Today Show" weatherman Willard Scott wished Leblanc a happy birthday on television, Quagliozzi said. About 15 minutes later, the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, unfolded, Quagliozzi said. Family members who came down from Canada for the birthday bash couldn't get back over the border for days.
"That was a 100th birthday party that we'll never forget," she said.
Leblanc remembers elements of his youth vividly. He recalled working with his father who was a carpenter in Canada, making $27.50 a week. He remembered his father traveled in a horse and buggy. He also recalled the Dec. 6, 1917, explosion of a ship filled with munitions that killed 2,000 people and leveled large parts of Halifax, near where his father worked.
"I was just a young fella then," he said.
Leblanc maintains a good diet and a healthy appetite. He recently proved he could pack away plenty at a recent barbecue held at the apartments. "Lobster," he said, is his favorite food.
Quagliozzi said there aren't any other members of the family who have come close to living as long as her father. She said she hopes she can follow his lead in living a long, healthy life.
"I think I would (like to live as long) if I was going to have the same health he has," she said.
Richard Conn can be contacted at 781-398-8004 or rconn@cnc.com.
