At 84 years old, Bill Fields has something that keeps him young. Legos.
"I'm the only one currently working with Legos," said Fields of his fellow residents at Villa Ventura, a retirement community in south Kansas City. "They're all amazed that I'm able to do this."
And who wouldn't be?
There's the Lego Taj Mahal, the Lego Ferris wheel that spins, and even helicopters with spinning blades.
PHOTOS | See some of Fields' Lego models
In all, he's built more than 60 Lego models.
"I did one. I liked it," said Fields. "I did another and then eventually it was a hobby."
It's a hobby he started about 35 years ago, spending three or four days on the average model.
"You just dump 5,900 pieces out on the table and start hunting," said Fields.
After teaching at Mizzou for 43 years, he now teaches fellow residents here another important lesson.
"I'm kind of an inspiration to other residents," said Fields. "They see that I can do this at my age, well maybe they could do something at their age if they tried."
He spreads his wisdom when he gets their ear -- usually at the Villa Ventura pub.
"We have happy hour three times a week," said Fields.
Villa Ventura turned an empty apartment into Bill's Lego museum, a testament to working hard and staying young.
"I think it keeps my mind active and helps with my hands," said Fields.
It's an entire museum of a child's toy, built by a child at heart.
Those who would like to see the Lego museum can call Villa Ventura at (816) 787-0915.
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Justin Wilfon can be reached at justin.wilfon@kshb.com.
