Mention the name Ben Kunibe, and people immediately think of the Optimist Club.

Kunibe has been known as “Mr. Optimist” for his dedication and service with the Optimist Club of South Lake Tahoe since it was founded in 1962. In fact, he is the only charter member still active with the service club.

To show their appreciation for all he does, members recently helped him celebrate his 90th birthday with a party. Kunibe was born Nov. 15, 1917, in San Francisco, and the festive occasion took place on his birthday during an Optimist luncheon meeting.

In addition to a cake with a big “90” candle, everyone sang “Happy Birthday” as he was presented a “Santa Hat in a Box.” The white-fur-trimmed, red velvet hat features a coiled velvet-covered spring with a white-fur pompom at the end – like something from a Dr. Suess book.

Everyone agreed it was the perfect head covering for Kunibe to wear while working at the Optimist Christmas tree lot this year. He has been involved with the fundraising event every holiday season since the club started selling Christmas trees at the Nevada Lumber Company in 1968.

Everyone is encouraged to come see Kunibe in his new Santa hat as he bustles around greeting everyone with a big smile at the Optimist Christmas tree lot at the corner of Lake Tahoe Boulevard and Lakeview Avenue.

In addition to the Christmas trees, Kunibe has been part of all the club’s activities through the years, including the Easter Egg Hunt, Fishing Derby at Sawmill Pond, Turkey Trot at Bijou Community Park, Duck Races at Tahoe Paradise, pancake breakfasts, the eighth-grade boys and girls basketball tournaments and the eighth-grade girls volleyball tournaments. He still does all the buying for the concession stands at the tournaments.

Kunibe said he never wanted to serve in any club office except as treasurer, which he has done for many years.

“I always want to know where the club’s money is going,” he said with a twinkle in his eye.

The nonagenarian, who is trim and fit, said he stays in shape by walking almost every day, skiing cross-country and taking exercise classes at the South Lake Tahoe Senior Center twice a week for more than 10 years. He credits his longevity to “eating fish, rice and produce.”

Kunibe and his wife, Terry, leased space at Lampson’s Market at the “Y,” where they owned and operated the produce department for three summers – from 1953 to 1956. They moved permanently to Tahoe in 1956 and continued their business at Lampson’s Market until 1974.

He was in the produce department at Bijou Market until he retired in 1984. Ben and Terry’s four children, who all are graduates of South Tahoe High School, worked in the produce business while growing up. Charlene and Phyllis both reside at South Lake Tahoe; Susanne lives in Alameda, Calif.; and Russell is in Juneau, Alaska.

Ben Kunibe said what he likes most about living at Tahoe is the fishing, the weather with four seasons and all the good people.

“I’ve seen some big changes in my years at Lake Tahoe – Harrah’s just coming in, Raley’s and Safeway at the “Y,” and the two-lane Highway 50 being widened,” he said.

Kunibe said he really values his involvement with the Optimist Club.

“The club motto is ‘Friends of Youth,’ and helping the kids is what I enjoy most – helping the kids is the bottom line.”