Herbert Hamrol | S.F. quake survivor, 106

Herbert Hamrol, 106, who survived San Francisco's Great Earthquake of 1906 and recalled for later generations how his mother carried him to safety that day, has died.

Mr. Hamrol, one of the last survivors of the catastrophic quake and fire that leveled San Francisco, died Wednesday at Seton Medical Center in Daly City, a hospital spokeswoman said. His death came less than a month after he celebrated his 106th birthday with a bash at a steak house.

The party was just Hamrol's style, said friends and coworkers. He smoked cigars into his 90s, and told whoever wanted to know that his secret to a long life was "wild women and good liquor," said Janine Barrett, a manager at Andronico's Market in San Francisco. - AP