On October 17,  he will reach the milestone and he isn't even close to calling it an innings, as he plans to power beyond 110.

"I have my sights set on 110," Mr Fry said.

"I thought that was a reasonable target.

"I used to have a Suzuki with the number plate FRY 110.

"That was my goal, so 90 is only part way there, got another twenty years to go.

"You've got to aim high.

"I'm keen on people not being shy about doing things, you've got to lead with your chin sometimes."

That mantra has served this humble local legend well throughout a life truly well-lived.

Remarkably, his optimistic attitude remains unfettered by recently undergoing an operation to have a sizeable melanoma removed from his scalp.

Mr Fry moved from Tamworth to West Kempsey in 1958 and opened Fry's Pharmacy on Elbow St, which he resided above, in an apartment, for decades, with his late wife of 50 years, Daphne, and two daughters, Cathy, and Lyn.

Throughout a lifetime raising his family and operating a successful business in Kempsey, he has been a proactive contributor to his community and a staunch advocate on its behalf.

Local psychologist Allan Anderson said Mr Fry has always been a fierce defender of Kempsey.

“He just won’t allow anything negative to be said about Kempsey,” Mr Anderson said.

Kempsey lawyer Paul Stubbs considers Mr Fry the resident every community should have.

“David has been a passionate advocate for his local community and Kempsey Shire throughout his residency in the Macleay Valley,” Mr Stubbs said.

“Always the common good, even if detrimental to his personal interests, has been his paramount concern.

“David’s integrity is beyond reproach and this characteristic of his personality was always present in his commercial business activity and his subsequent dealings with any individual or organisation.

“The smiling, welcoming David Fry is an associate of many and a solid close friend to all who are fortunate enough to spend time with him.

“His only critics could be those who have attended meetings that have gone on and on and in the final throes David has said ‘I just have a few further thoughts to discuss …’.

“Congratulations David on reaching 90 years.

“Your contribution to the Macleay Valley has been enormous.”

Mr Fry himself believes there is something to be said for keeping in touch, being open and communicating with people.

"Some people get self-centred with things,” he said.

"It's not about me, me, me.

"It's a case of helping other people."

There are many groups and projects that he has left his mark on during his 59-year tenure as one of the region's forward thinkers.

"The ones that I'm a little bit proud of are the River Bank in Kempsey, that was a big achievement," he said.

"Another one that was worthwhile was tree planting on Broughton St.

"And Trial Bay Gaol Kiosk.

"We (the council community committee) converted it into something we could be proud of."

A former president of Apex Club, Mr Fry was also heavily involved in the organisation of the Macksville to Kempsey walk, which he remembers fondly.

"So many people participated," he said.

"It was a fun occasion.”

The spritely 89-year-old also has links to the Kempsey Airport, having piloted a Piper Tomahawk light aircraft in his younger years.

On one occasion he even crashed at the end of the runway after failing to gain height on takeoff.

Mr Fry opted not to tell his wife about the incident, only to be undone when she later read about it in the Argus.

For the record, he supports the Chinese using the site for training purposes.

This selfless statesman's concern for local issues doesn't end there.

He has a bucket list, but rather than a list of personal experiences and conquests, his contains community projects he would like to see achieved in his time.

On that list, which is entitled I have a dream, a salute to Dr Martin Luther King Jnr, are items like a second bridge connecting South Kempsey and a Community Handshake Day to promote mateship and respect for each other.

“Not every dream is going to succeed, practicalities come into the picture,” Mr Fry said.

“I feel we could do so much more for aboriginal people, not handouts, but just in terms of rubbing shoulders with them.”

Mr Fry will celebrate with family and friends at a party in his Crescent Head home on the Saturday following his birthday.

The Argus wishes him all the best for the occasion and many more years of health and happiness.