Wilfred J. Belanger of Rumford is presented a certificate Thursday naming him the recipient of Boston Post Cane as the town’s oldest resident. He will be 100 in July. Holding the framed document is Selectman Chris Brennick. Bruce Farrin/Rumford Falls Times

RUMFORD — The Boston Post Cane was presented to Wilfred J. Belanger, 99, the town’s oldest resident.

He was given a framed certificate by Chris Brennick, chairman of the Board of Selectmen, at Thursday’s board meeting.

Belanger was born on July 27, 1921, in Rumford, the oldest of seven siblings. After graduating from Stephens High School, he began working at Oxford Paper Co.’ mill in Rumford.

In 1942, Belanger was drafted to serve in World War II with the the 25th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron in the western Pacific. After his honorable discharge in 1945, he resumed work at the paper mill, working the meter department until his retirement in 1984.

He and Jeanne were married in 1962 and raised two children. Avid lovers of history and travel, they have been to every continent except Antarctica.

The live on Rumford Avenue and enjoy their summer home in Weld with their children and two grandchildren.