Ted Howe cuts his birthday cake with a little help from daughter Susan Grist.
The grand old man of Penguin Uniting Church, Ted Howe, was the guest of honour at a special morning tea at the church on Sunday 22 October to celebrate his 100th birthday.
Mr Howe has worshipped at the church, on Tasmania’s North-West Coast, for almost 80 years after moving from Mole Creek to work on a local farm. He was also the guest of honour at a birthday party the previous night which was attended by about 100 people.
The celebrations continued when children from a local play centre who visit Mr Howe’s nursing home regularly also made a special trip on 23 October to wish him a happy birthday.
Mr Howe served in Borneo, the Kokoda Track, in Papua New Guinea – which he always referred to as a trail because he did not believe it reached the status of a track – and Syria during World War II as well as spending time in England during the blitz.
He married his wife, Edna, in 1945 when on leave from active service. After the war they settled in Penguin and Mr Howe spent many years working for the local council.
Mr Howe said he had been a bit overwhelmed with all the celebrations held to honour his century.
“It has been very nice but a bit busy,” he said.
“I am feeling a bit tired and a bit worn out because it has all happened at once but I am fortunate to have so many lovely friends. I am a lucky man.”
Mr Howe said he was in quite good health considering his years “but my leg is playing up a bit.”
Mr Howe served for decades as a trainer with the Penguin Football Club and is a life member of the club as well as a member of the North-West Football League’s Hall-of-Fame. He did not hang up his medical tape until well into his 80s.
A medal presented to Penguin’s best player in its annual Anzac Day game against neighbouring club Ulverstone bears Mr Howe’s name.
He said he missed going to the football now the season was over but it just meant “I have to find something else to do”.
Mr and Mrs Howe had two children, Raymond and Susan, and there are seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
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