Longtime islander Sam Rikalo turned 96 years old on Nov. 23. Rikalo was born on Catalina Island in 1924 and his family believes he might be the oldest living person who was born on the island. Rikalo grew up on the island until leaving during WWII. He returned to the island in his 60s when he ran a shop, served on the museum’s board of trustees and helped with bookkeeping for the Sand Trap, DC-3 and Steamer Trunk. He is now retired and living in Seal Beach, but islanders can reach him by mail through his PO Box 1343 on the island. “We often are asked about dad – he is in Leisure World and doing remarkably well. We pass along your good wishes and he loves hearing about each of you,” his daughter Sue said. Courtesy photo
