A Paisley great-grandfather who is celebrating his 100th birthday revealed “enjoying life” is the secret to reaching the milestone age.
Laurie Henderson has lived to see many events that have captured the world in the last century.
From the death of King George V, the end of the Second World War and now the up-and-coming coronation of King Charles, it is safe to say that he has seen his fair share of memorable moments.
However, Laurie says despite winning multiple trophies in his favourite hobby – bowling – as a member of Hawkhead Bowling Club, it was the chance to see his family grow up and live their lives that has been the greatest part of his 100 years.
Speaking to the Paisley Daily Express, an upbeat Laurie said: “My wife Jessie was my partner for 74 years and my whole life with her was my main goal.
“I have to admit, yes I won bowling trophies, along with my wife Jessie who probably won more than me, but my greatest memories has been seeing my family grow up. My family has been the main part of my life.”
Having turned 100 last Friday, Laurie is still a fit and independent man who requires little to no help from his family.
He and his wife Jessie, who sadly died five years ago, enjoyed many years together with their two daughters Lara and Dorothy, nine grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He is also still able to drive to the shops and his bowling club but, back in his working days, Laurie was a woodwork pattern maker until he retired in his 70s.
Born in Gourock, Inverclyde, he started off at the Caledonian Foundry in Greenock, before moving up to a factory in Yoker, Glasgow, due to it being closer after moving to Paisley in the 1980s.
The centenarian says that in that time, from his working days to now, the area in and around Paisley has changed “considerably” and is now a whole new world compared to when he was younger, with houses now appearing on streets and fields he used to walk on.
Having served in the armed forces, Laurie can still recall the end of World War II in which he was in charge of a factory making ammunition boxes that would be sent to all the different regiments across the world.
He also recalls the feeling of celebration in 1945 when the war ended, saying he was “happy” but also “sad” due to the number of friends and people he knew well who had unfortunately not returned home.
Looking at the current world from those dark days to now, Laurie says it is a considerable change to how everything feels with a more “relaxed” feeling in the world along with more jobs on offer for people too.
Speaking about his birthday and the secret to reaching the marvellous age of 100, the decorated army servant says that he didn’t smoke and enjoying life to the fullest is the best way to live it.
He said: “I have enjoyed my life and had no problems whatsoever despite a few illnesses here and there.
“Just keep living – that is all you really do, and that is not me being facetious but you just keep going. Get on with your friends, family and enjoy life.
“Try and also avoid awkward situations, life is too short to be awkward so try and get on with everyone as much as you can.”
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