Ralph Weber is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records, he has attended six summer Olympic Games and he has played more than 4,000 rounds of golf.

Today he adds a 100th year of adventure to his life.

Weber, who lives in Garden Spot Village, attributes diet and exercise to his century marker. Having brothers who lived to 100 and 101 doesn't hurt, either.

"My mother always told me the first 100 years are the hardest," Weber said.

Weber was born on July 3, 1912, on a farm 8 miles north of his current home.

Weber was one of 10 children, which made for close living: One room held six boys and three double beds.

"You'd think we had pillow fights, but the older ones had work and were tired," Weber said.

In the summer, Weber sold fruits and vegetables at the Reading Market, hauled there by an international truck with a crank. The 60- to 70-acre farm required quite a bit of labor.

"Working a 60-hour week for $5 is no fun," Weber said.

When Weber was in his 20s, he spent his first time away from home as an accountant.

"It was nice to not work (the farm's) long hours," Weber said.

Weber first saw his wife, Elizabeth, at a school of business.

"She didn't pay any attention to me," Weber joked.

But in time, the two started dating, enjoying football games and hikes on Mount Penn in Reading.

Weber and Elizabeth, 98, were married on Christmas Day in 1941. They had three children, Linda, Lee and Lucy. They will celebrate their 71st anniversary this year.

Weber received his accounting degree and worked as a certified public accountant for several companies, including Case New Holland and Sperry Rand Corp.

Weber has three hobbies: singing, traveling and golf.

In 1926, Weber and his brothers formed an a cappella quartet that toured churches and nursing homes. They always sang for free, with the exception of one time, when Weber received $10. He bought himself a pitch pipe.

The brothers called themselves The Singing Webers and sang together for more than 70 years. They were recognized as "Most Durable Musicians" in the 1998 edition of the Guinness Book of World Records.

Weber also enjoys golf. He was an avid member of Conestoga Country Club and Lancaster Country Club.

Though Weber said he "feels old," he walked a golf course in January.

Weber and Elizabeth, who both participated in track in high school, attended six summer Olympic Games from 1972 to 1996. Weber's favorite event is the 100 meter dash.

The couple took a six-week trip around the world when Weber retired.

Weber has several grandchildren and completed his life story in a self-published book.

Weber encourages younger generations to "study and work hard."

To celebrate his birthday, Weber plans to eat a free meal at Shady Maple restaurant with friends.

bkraybill@lnpnews.com