By Abbey Cannan
Tewantin resident Mervyn Taylor was joined by his family and Noosa MP Sandy Bolton as he celebrated 101 years of life at Noosa Boathouse last Friday.
Mervyn’s 101 years has been filled with an illustrious career, from being an Airforce veteran, a mechanic, a driver for parliamentary staff, a cattle station worker, owning a dairy farm, flipping houses and a qualified welder.
But most importantly he has been an incredible husband to his wife, who passed away at 98, and a great father to his four children.
Eddy Taylor said his dad was a great role model and always worked hard.
“He married mum at the start of the war and he joined the Airforce,” Eddy said.
“He had a bit of a difficult life in New Guinea, he didn’t want to talk about it and it was pretty upsetting because of things that had happened.
“When he came back he had various jobs. He flipped houses, so we moved all over Sydney.”
Eddy said Mervyn still exercised every day and loved his gardening.
“Just after his 100th birthday last year, I came home from the shop I couldn’t find him,” he said.
“Being a carer, I thought maybe he’s fallen over in the garden. I looked everywhere in the house and I couldn’t find him. I went outside and I saw a branch come out of the mango tree and there he was, six metres up in a mango tree, at 100 years old.”
Along with his gardening, Mervyn still drives and exercises every morning.
“He’s still fit, I think that’s’ the key to his health,” Eddy said.
“He doesn’t drink, he doesn’t smoke, but he might have a scotch on his birthday or Christmas.”
One of his three daughters, Michelle Kerr said they had a great time at his birthday party, with four out of Mervyn’s five brothers in attendance.
“When Sandy Bolton walked up to him, he was talking to his nieces and nephews,” Michelle said.
“I said, ‘Dad there’s someone here to see you’. He turned around and there’s Sandy with these 101 balloons in gold.
“You should’ve seen his face light up, it was like an absolute miracle and it made his day,” Michelle said.
“So, a big fat thanks to Sandy for taking the time to come and enjoy the family celebration just to make my dad’s day.
“Big mention to the Boathouse restaurant, absolutely suburb, the staff down there really knew how to look after us.”
Michelle said her parents had a wonderful life together.
“Raising four children back in the 50s is quite of a feat on their own when only one parent is working,” she said.
“As a father, he took us on trips with an uncle of ours for six weeks and I reckon they were the best times of our lives, just touring around Australia and seeing what else was around back in the 60s.
“I’m just very proud of our dad, he’s got to the age he’s got and I think he’s had a lot of help along the way, especially from my brother who is his carer.
“I think it’s the spirit of the man that has kept himself alive.”
