Editor’s note: Each year, the Bainbridge Island Review publishes our Who’s Who, a special section filled with personality profiles of the people who help make Bainbridge Island unique.

Ted Blank — local volunteer, curmudgeon and purveyor of fine food — was skeptical about his imminent fame in this edition of Bainbridge Island’s Who’s Who.

“I think this is poppycock,” he said. “I hope I’m in Indiana when it comes out.”

Born in Morgan County, Ind., Oscar Theodore Blank grew up on a pig farm, and has been involved in raising hogs since he was 10 years old.

“I’ve farmed all my life,” he said.

When he moved to Bainbridge Island full-time eight years ago, Blank found a unique substitute for pig farming.

Every two weeks or so, Blank heads up to Agate Pass to harvest oysters from the farm that he set up with the help of islander Betsy Peabody.

When asked how oyster farming compares to pig farming, he said, “It’s a lot easier and the aroma is a lot better.”

While Blank has been easily farming oysters for more than one year now, he has been farming pigs for 80 years at the farm he continues to keep in Indiana.

With his second wife Emily of 29 years, three sons, five grandsons, and seven great-grandchildren, Blank celebrated his 90th birthday in May and is in the planning stages for his 100th.

Blank feels blessed with his longevity.

“There aren’t many persons privileged to have a good life and good health for 90 years,” he said. “I’m very active and I’m very fortunate in that way.”

“One of the things you learn when you get to be 90 is to do the things you like to do,” he added.

Blank is involved with a variety of activities on the island; he enjoys volunteering at Bloedel Reserve and at Bainbridge Arts and Crafts.

“I’ve always been interested in art,” Blank said, describing why he chose to help out at Bainbridge Arts and Crafts.

His appreciation for art began at an early age.

“We looked forward to getting the Saturday Evening Post,” he said, explaining that Norman Rockwell remains his favorite artist. Blank admitted that while he did not have a professional background in art, it was no hindrance to admiring great works.

“I don’t know art, but I enjoy looking at pretty things,” he said.

Blank also enjoys eating pretty things. Blank is somewhat of a food connoisseur, and he listed off his favorite places to eat on the island with relish. He said that “being a farmer, any place that has good food” was high on his list.

Despite Blank’s positive presence in the community and volunteer work, there is a darker side to this affable nonagenarian. In fact, among certain spheres on the island, Blank has made himself known as a bit of a rapscallion. He wholeheartedly denies these claims.

“I am not a troublemaker. It’s people that go out of the way to harass me. I’m an innocent farm boy!” he exclaimed. “People harass me, so you must defend yourself.”

When asked if it was true that he was a “borrower” of other people’s donuts, Blank denied the charge.

“That’s a rumor. I’ve been known to take a bite of other people’s food.”

“There’s a difference,” he added.

Blank visited the island for almost 25 years before becoming a part-time resident 16 years ago, finally putting down full-time roots. He said Bainbridge is “a great place to spend what time you have left in enjoyment.”

While Blank is spending his time in enjoyment, volunteering in the community, he occasionally longs for his Midwestern roots.

“I still miss the pigs.”