Joe Bush keeps walking toward the century mark at Bolsa Chica State Beach

It’s a feel-good story.

The best part about it is that Joe Bush, who will turn 100 on May 22, 2022, feels just fine.

Bush has been taking his morning walks at Bolsa Chica State Beach for more than two decades now. He spends about 45 minutes to an hour walking back and forth along the bridge at the southern end of the beach, just north of Pacific Coast Highway and Seapoint Street.

Bush moves smoothly with his walker. The walks themselves don’t have to take as long as they do, but Bush can’t help but stop and talk to people. A World War II and Korean War veteran of the U.S. Navy, he has some stories to tell.

“He’s a walking icon,” said Kevin Klepfer of California State Parks, who often crosses paths with “Grandpa Joe.” “He’s the [unofficial] mayor of Bolsa Chica.”

Joe Bush, who will turn 100 in May, is surrounded by friends and well-wishers on Wednesday morning at Bolsa Chica State Beach.

(Courtesy of Julie Toledo)

Lately, walking friend Juliette Ho of Huntington Beach noticed that Bush has been ending his conversations by saying, “Next May, I turn 100.”

“Everyone looks up to him,” she said. “You know, how many 99-year-olds are walking the beach every day? He is one cool guy.”

To help encourage him to reach that goal of turning 100, Ho organized a celebration Wednesday morning at the beach. Friends and well-wishers gathered as Ho presented Bush and some friends T-shirts that read, “Joe Turns 100, May 2022,” with an American flag centered between the words.

Since his wife, Betty, passed away in 2017, Bush has lived with his granddaughter Debra and her husband, Don Aspinall, in their Westminster home. Aspinil takes his grandfather-in-law to the beach up to five days a week for the walks.

“He likes the bridge because he can hold onto it if he’s tired,” Aspinall said. “But he’s got a good outlook on life. He’s an optimist. He says he’s got to keep moving.”

Bush, sharp as ever, seemed to enjoy the celebration Wednesday.

“I appreciate everything you guys are doing,” he said to his friends. “Just think, in 1942, when I went to Africa, most of you weren’t even here yet.”

Joe Bush talks with a friend during his morning walk at Bolsa Chica State Beach on Wednesday.

(Courtesy of Julie Toledo)

Hong Nguyen, 80, who lives in Huntington Beach, said he jokingly calls Bush “young man.” He gives Bush a salute whenever their paths cross as they take their walks.

“Grandpa Joe” is even friends with some surfers at that break. They showed up Wednesday to give their support to Bush, who said proudly, “I was here before the bridge was even built.”

Bush worked for about 20 years at the Naval Weapons Station in Seal Beach before retiring when he was around 70, he said.

That was nearly three decades ago now. When asked his keys to a long life, Bush had a quick reply.

“Be healthy and take care of yourself,” he said. “I feel good. I’ve got some good friends around me.”

Support our coverage by becoming a digital subscriber.