Pakenham’s oldest resident, Noel Gardner, proves he still has plenty of puff, blowing out the candles on a cake to celebrate his 106th birthday.
By Paul Dunlop
NOEL Gardner had 106 good reasons to enjoy Christmas – that’s how old he turned on Boxing Day.
Pakenham’s oldest resident was born on 26 December, 1900.
Friends and family gathered at Pakenham’s Meadowvale Village, where Mr Gardner has lived for the past 17 years, to enjoy a celebration of the milestone.
Meadowvale manager May CroxfordRowswell said Mr Gardner remained in remarkable health and was regarded as an icon by village staff and residents.
“Noel was born at a time when pack animals and steampowered ships were the most sophisticated means of transport,” Ms CroxfordRowswell said.
“Since then, technology has revolutionised how people live – and Noel has been there to experience it all.
“He has lived an incredible life and has some amazing stories to tell.”
Mr Gardner was in good spirits for the celebration, where he blew out the candles on a cake baked in his honour.
“Blowing out all 106 might have been a bit much so we only put about 20 on – that’s still quite a few,” Ms CroxfordRowswell said.
“He passed up the offer of a wheelchair ride from his room to the dining hall.
“He says wheelchairs are ‘only for old people’. He walked all the way down.”
About 100 people, including Mr Gardner’s great nephew James Kilby, enjoyed the party.
Ms CroxfordRowswell said Mr Gardner’s hearing was not as good as it used to be, but otherwise he was in great shape.
“Noel has his meals provided and his apartment cleaned, but other than that he is completely independent,” she said.
One of the oldest living residents in Victoria, Mr Gardner loves to watch television and still keeps abreast of daily news and current affairs.
“He is very determined, he has a very strong handshake and is so alert,” Ms CroxfordRowswell said.
“He said he’d get such a big head he wouldn’t be able to walk out through the dining room door if we kept making such a fuss of him.”
Mr Gardner was born at Warragul and farmed in the area for much of his life.
He married wife Irene in February 1944.
After she died in 1997, Mr Gardner had a stained glass window installed in St Paul’s Anglican Church in Warragul.
At the age of 85, he took an extended bus trip around northern Australia before moving into Meadowvale in 1988.
