CONCORD, MI -- Bruce Barrows has attended his share of class reunions.

That's a point of pride for the 98-year-old Spring Arbor resident.

Barrows, the school's oldest living alumnus, will attend his 80th high school reunion at Concord High School next month.

Barrows, who has lived and worked in the Jackson area his entire life, said he has attended almost every Concord reunion to date. He is the only living person of 23 people who graduated in 1933.

The reunion June 8 will honor the classes of 1933, 1938, 1943, 1948, 1953, 1958, 1963, 1968, 1973. 1978, 1983, and 1988.

Barrows said he recognizes the importance of reunions because a lot of people don’t live past 80, let along long enough to attend their 80th reunion.

“It’s important because old age catches up with you,” Barrows said.

In addition to mingling with Concord alumni, Barrows said he likes to go to the reunions to keep track of people he has met throughout his life. He said he really enjoys talking to the other older members who have been attending these reunions for a substantial number of years.

Barrows said the school has a special place in his heart since it was there that he met his wife, who died 11 years ago. She attended Concord for a couple years, and received her GED since the two were married before she graduated.

Barrows doesn’t drive anymore but said his daughters often take him to family get-togethers and smaller community events such as the upcoming Concord reunion.

Deb Laske, who is in charge of planning Concord’s alumni banquet, said the reunion will be the 123rd annual alumni reunion, making it one of the longest running in the state.

“It’s cool that people are able to come back once per year and tell stories,” Laske said.