The cheeky smile on Geoffrey Mann’s face as he celebrated his 100th birthday was certainly an indication of the life he has lived.
Surrounded by family and friends at his Thabeban home on Saturday, Geoff had a century of stories to share with his loved ones.
With his quick wit and sense of humour his tales delighted even the newest of friends as he opened a Bundaberg Ginger Beer with them.
“Not everyone gets to turn 100 hundred – aren’t they lucky,” he laughed.
“I guess, I just don’t worry about the things you can’t change.
“I’ve never been sick, I don’t have any brothers or sisters because I think my dad took one look at me and said, ‘woah that’s enough’.”
Geoffrey said he had many careers during his time, including being a Light Horseman and a mechanic in the Australian Army.
“I was probably too skinny, just a little lad, to ever actually go overseas during the war,” he said.
“I’ve driven a cab in Sydney, it was a Studebaker, and it was very nice.
“The world is different now to what it was.
“No bloody way would I do another 100 again, but I’ll be here for another 10 years.”
Geoffrey moved to Gayndah 29 years ago from New South Wales, with his then wife Aileen who sadly passed away 15 years later, and there was never an idle moment for him.
Setting up a television repair business in Gayndah gave Geoffrey the opportunity to meet people, and he became active in the community by joining the Rotary International.
His close friends agreed it was Geoff’s attitude and resilience that were the two most important factors of his long life.
They said no matter what he went through he always saw the positives and kept moving forward with the times.
In 2012 Geoffrey met Conchita, who became his caregiver, and by 2016 they were married.
Smiling, Geoffrey said he was content with life, and he especially enjoyed the love and care provided by Conchita, along with her delicious Filipino food that she spoiled him with.
Geoffrey Mann turned 100 on Tuesday, 26 October 2021.
- Other news: Bundaberg Alcoholic Ginger Beer launched
- Braden Hellmuth forges successful career path
- Players wanted for touch football beach carnival
