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Wednesday, April 15, 2009 Farmer, 102, says secret to longevity is healthy food, being kind to peopleLos Lunas One hundred and two years of living have given Esequiel Ulibarri the right and the expertise to give advice. On a Wednesday morning, he arrives at El Paraiso, a management service in Los Lunas that provides care and assistance to the disabled or elderly, to a room full of people ready to celebrate his 102nd birthday. Before a large group crowds around a table and a huge birthday cake, Ulibarri tells his party-goers about his past and gives them insight into how to live well and live long. At more than a century old, Ulibarri hasn't lost any of his spunk or love for life. Donning a black cowboy hat he is all smiles as he enters the room, greeting familiar and unfamiliar faces with a handshake and a word of gratitude for coming to his party. A native of New Mexico, Ulibarri grew up in Las Nutrias, about 15 miles south of Belen, as one of seven children — all boys. When he was 7, Ulibarri's father, Leoniles, died, leaving his mother, Cruzita, a widow. She eventually was remarried to Leoniles' cousin, Ambrosio Ulibarri, who was a widower himself with five children. Ulibarri didn't mention any of his siblings during the party, but one person he did and often talks of is his wife, Soylita Baca, whom he met in La Joya at a dance. The two were married in 1932 and were together for 64 years before Soylita passed away in 1996. Everyone in the room who knows Ulibarri well nods their heads when someone says that he talks a lot about his wife. Ulibarri mentions that Soylita was a homemaker during her life and he is proud of the fact that she never had to work outside here home a day in her life. Ulibarri worked at the New Mexico Boys Ranch in Las Nutrias for 24 years; taking care of the 50 acres of property. Ulibarri did everything from bail hay to farm. Respected in Socorro County to this day, Ulibarri also served as a county commissioner for two years in 1952. After his work at the Boys Ranch each day, Ulibarri would come home and tend to his own garden. One of his great hobbies has always been farming; he has grown everything from watermelon to cotton to green and red chile. He has also raised cows, sheep and horses. "It's such a blessing," Ulibarri's daughter Beatrice Torres said about still having her dad. "I feel like I'm rich. I am blessed to have him." Torres said that throughout her life she has always known her father to eat healthy foods and take care of himself, two things to which she attributes his long life. Another, she said, might be the little shot of whiskey he has every day, though Torres is quick to say that once he finishes the shot, he drinks no more. "He's a very loving person. Very giving and very appreciative," said Sylvia Gurule, Ulibarri's caregiver. Gurule has been working with Ulibarri for about eight months and had nothing but good things to say about him. She said that if she's learned anything from the 102-year-old, it's to get along with other people and to not be envious of what others have. Gurule said that Ulibarri loves to stay active and that he goes to the senior center every day. He especially loves to play bingo and is known for being quite good at the game. "We always tell him, 'They're going to chase you out, Dad!' Sometimes they play four games and he wins three. He likes to go out. That's what keeps him going," Torres said. She said sometimes, if it's obvious that her dad isn't feeling his best, she or Gurule will suggest that he stay in, take it easy and not go to the senior center that day. Torres said that, when that happens, right away her dad is dressed and ready to catch the shuttle that takes him to the center. On the few days that Ulibarri doesn't visit the senior center, Gurule said that the atmosphere is completely different. The days he's gone, she says, the others don't even want to play bingo. When asked what advice he has, Ulibarri shrugs and says at first he doesn't know, but after a minute of thinking that changes. "Treat people good and don't be jealous," he says in Spanish, translated by Torres. "Do things with your heart, and do things because you want to." Torres said that, throughout her life, her father has always emphasized the importance of being kind to others and being happy with what you're given — two ways of thinking that they both attribute to his long and happy life. The people who know Ulibarri though may argue that although living 102 years has no doubt been extraordinary for him, it has been equally meaningful for them with him in their lives. Although his birthday was Apr. 10, people are still celebrating Ulibarri's birthday. Last Friday, his picture was shown on KOAT 7 News, and Monday evening he was honored by Socorro County officials.
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