Edmonds centenarian taking part in nationwide project 'To Live 10,000 Years'

EDMONDS, Wash. -- A local man is becoming part of history by sharing pieces of his own history, thanks to a photographer on a mission.

Emmett Oliver will live forever, in a project 100 years in the making.

The Edmonds centenarian is taking part in a nationwide project spearheaded by photographer Danny Goldfield.

"To live 10,000 years, that's our project," Goldfield said.

One man and one woman from each of the 50 states are chosen, representing 10,000 years of life.

"Sometimes we look at an older adult and see their age and our own fate," Goldfield wrote on his website. "It is hard. I’m hoping this project will somehow elevate our consciousness of who these people are, make us want to get to know them better, and in the end want to care for them in a way they deserve."

Goldfield told Q13 FOX News: "A picture is worth a thousand words. I'm going to say it's worth 10,000 words, because you know I like that number."

Born in South Bend, Wash., the son of a fisherman, Emmett excelled at snapping footballs. After graduating college, he became a teacher and dedicated several years of his life to the U.S. Coast Guard, climbing to the rank of commander.

In 1989, he coordinated the very first Paddle to Seattle.

"He became head of Indian education for the state of Washington and also for Indian Studies at the University of Washington and also down in UCLA," Emmett's daughter said.

Emmett proves you don't need a classroom to teach life's lessons.

"What I'm hoping is that if people see the photos, they won't see age, they'll see Emmett, they'll see the humanity of the individual," Goldfield said.

If a man's life is measured by moments, it's safe to say Emmett has lived a life beyond measure.

Emmett, the oldest member of the Quinault Nation, will turn 102 years old in December. His photo shoot took place at Aegis Living of Edmonds.

For more information on the project "To Live 10,000 Years," click here.