Claude Teece was born on December 12, 1918.
He survived three years of soldiering in Cairo during World War Two. He married his teenage sweetheart, Kath, as soon as he got back from the war and they celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary just before Kath’s passing in 2014.
He has three children, seven grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren (with another due next month), has luncheoned with Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth, was a councillor for Motueka Borough then spent four and a half years as the mayor of the region before the amalgamation with Tasman District Council.
And he has just turned 100 years old.
Claude has seen changes in the world like very few others have and the ex-Harakeke farmer has taken it all in his stride.
“It just feels like any other day,” says Claude, “I am quite happy as long as I have got my health!”
Daughter-in-law Anne-Marie Teece says he still lives very independently, and he has his own home next door to son Mark, and Anne-Marie.
Claude attributes his longevity to healthy living, “eat three square meals a day and get a good night’s sleep” – something he thinks we all need to take on board.
The Teece’s celebrated the significant birthday on Saturday, December 15, with family and friends, and Anne-Marie says it was an amazing day.