Port Stephens centenarian Cyril Blowes turned the tables on those gathered for his 106th birthday last Thursday.
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Before the traditional rendition of 'happy birthday' could be sung to him, Mr Blowes recounted a humorous conversation he had as a young boy with his father on how not to turn into a "grumpy old man" and sang a song to his party guests.
"When I was about 8 or 9... my father, he said to me one morning at breakfast, 'If you don't want to grow up to be a grumpy old man I'll tell you what you should do'," Mr Blowes said.
"He said 'every birthday you should sing a song. That song will make you happy for the rest of your life'.
"You probably know I can't sing but I'm going to sing that song to you today," Mr Blowes said before singing the popular 1920s song When You're Smiling, which his party guests joined in on.
Mr Blowes was joined by his wife of 78 years, Pattie, friends and fellow residents of Harbourside Haven in Shoal Bay on April 4 to mark the centenarian's 106th birthday.
The celebration was the third in a string of milestones for the couple. Mr Blowes turned 98 February, shortly before they marked their 78th wedding anniversary on March 23.
Mr and Mrs Blowes met at a ball in Mudgee, the small country town where Pattie lived. Mr Blowes had moved to Mudgee to open his menswear business, Blowes Clothing, which is still operating today.
They were married in March 1941, one year after Mr Blowes joined the World War II effort. After serving overseas, Mr Blowes returned to Australia in 1945 when the war ended.
The couple raised four children in Mudgee while Mr Blowes expanded his business. After retiring, the pair moved to Port Stephens in 1980.
In a previous interview with the Examiner, Mr Blowes said he did not know the secret to a long life or marriage. But he did say that good genes and good family helped with the long life, and forgiveness helped with the long marriage.
"Good genes, good family, country life - it's hard to say," Mrs Blowes said. "A bit of luck comes into it. It's a commitment and you do go through changes, which you have to adjust to. We live quietly. We're a happy team.
"Every marriage, every family, has its up and downs but you need to tread carefully and forgive. Forgive each other and yourself. You have to give to get back."
Mr Blowes said that he was "just an ordinary man" who was was not without his regrets, but was fortunate to have some success in his life.
He thanked those who turned out to his 106th birthday party, saying he and Pattie enjoyed living at Harbourside Haven.
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Ellie-Marie Watts
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
