VISALIA, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) - The holiday season continues to bring reasons for people in Visalia to celebrate, one Visalia resident will be celebrating a "landmark" birthday, 100 years of life. Norman Virgil Vikan was born on Dec. 25, 1924, in North Dakota. In January 1943, Vikan enlisted in the Army Air Corps and qualified to be a pilot, navigator and bombardier, according to officials at Quail Park Shannon Ranch. He chose to pursue a career as a pilot, flying various aircraft, including PT-19s, BT-14s, B-17s, B-29s, and even a B-24. After completing his military service, Vikan relocated to Visalia in 1959 with his wife and three daughters. Officials with Quail Park Shannon Ranch Vikan say he spent the next five decades working at Williams Jewelry, which later became Raphael’s Jewelry, until his retirement in 2008. Though his wife Janice passed away in 2018, those who know Vikan say he always tries his best to have a positive outlook on life. Officials at Quail Park Shannon Ranch say the ranch will host a special birthday party honoring Vikan and other residents with December birthdays. The event will be celebrated on Dec. 19, at 3 p.m. with a visit from Vice Mayor Brett Taylor, who will present Vikan with a certificate in recognition of his remarkable life and service. As a longtime resident of Visalia, Vikan is said to be eager to share his memories of a century filled with history, resilience, and love, officials with Quail Park Shannon Ranch said. Organizers say he looks forward to celebrating this remarkable milestone with his family, friends, and the Visalia community on his 100th birthday.