VISALIA, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) - A Visalia man turned 100 years old Wednesday on Christmas Day and celebrated his birthday with loved ones last week. For his birthday celebration, the city’s mayor awarded Norman Virgil Vikan a special certificate for the achievement. Vikan says the real reward is more time to spend with his loved ones. Vikan was surrounded by loved ones at his assisted living facility, celebrating his birthday. This year, Vikan says his only birthday wish is a discount on the rent. “I want 50% off,” he said. He was born on Christmas Day in 1924. Even at 100 years old, no one can make a new friend like Vikan. “Nobody is a stranger to me. Sometimes I talk to people, they want to know, ‘Who's that guy?’” The secret ingredient that’s kept him so active all these years is something not expected. “I eat oatmeal every day. I did it most days. I grew up on oatmeal,” he said. Throughout Vikan's long life, he’s worn many hats: from musician to athlete, but if you ask him what he’s most proud of, he’ll say his work. He served as a pilot in WWII and when he wasn’t in the sky he worked at Raphael's Jewelry. “I repaired watches and I liked the intricate work. I like the customers I met through the 72 years of all countries, all states. I loved my work,” Vikan said. His daughter, Sherry Reid says her dad worked all the time. “He worked all the time, I feel privileged to have had the background that he gave me, and I feel privileged that I didn’t have the hard times that he had,” Reid said. While Vikan is endlessly proud of his work, and his three beautiful daughters, his greatest joy, was being married to the love of his life. “It couldn't have been better. I miss her. Don't get me started on it. I had a nice life, a wonderful marriage and wonderful children,” Vikan said He says 72 years of marriage wasn’t enough. So as he begins his second century, the retired watch repairman encourages others to make the minutes count.