At 90 years young, Milton Haines is still singing and dancing, sharp as a tack, full of good humour and being kept on his toes by the woman he instantly fell in love with in 1953.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Nelson Bay resident, who turned 90 on July 17, believes his long life has been achieved by being "lucky" when it comes to his health, staying fit and active and the partnership he has with wife of 67 years, Joy.
"I never smoked," Mr Haines said. "I used to work for Coca-Cola back when they were delivered in glass bottles in wooden crates.
"I also used to deliver heavy cables to electricity companies and worked in a fruit shop. When we had our fish and chip shop in Sydney I used to go to the fish market at 4.30am and carry back fish.
"I've stayed active most of my life but I'm lucky to have kept my good health."
Up until the start of the coronavirus pandemic, Mr Haines was playing social golf three times a week.
He also keeps his mind active. Ask him to recite a phone number and he will without skipping a beat.
The other secret to his long life? A beer (or bourbon) in the evening.
The doorbell to their Little Beach home rang hot on July 17 as neighbours, friends and well wishers popped by to wish Mr Haines a socially distanced happy 90th birthday.
Mr Haines also opened letters from the Prime Minister and Paterson MP Meryl Swanson, among others, wishing him congratulations.
The following day the Haines' were joined by family and close friends for a birthday lunch.
As a 20-year-old Mr Haines joined the Navy, which he was part of for six years. It was during his time in the Navy, in which he was part of the orchestra, that he met Joy. It was love at first sight.
They met on August 29, were engaged September 12 and married October 17 - all in 1953. The pair raised five children and now have 10 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.
Following a holiday to Nelson Bay, the Haines' bought a block of land at Little Beach where they built a home and began living in 1986. On moving to the Bay Mr Haines drove buses for nine years. The pair are well known in the Bay.
"We've had a very interesting life," Mr Haines said.
