Bruce Leighton’s letter box has been filled this week with some official looking envelopes as he receives messages congratulating him on his 100th birthday today.
The Ashburton Courier was there as he opened messages from His Majesty King Charles, Governor General Dame Cindy Kiro, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Rangitata MP James Meager and Minister for Seniors Casey Costello.
The retired accountant said it was amazing to receive special greetings, including one from his alumni school, Auckland Grammar.
Bruce’s advice on how to live to such a grand age is ‘‘keep the mind and body active’’.
The sprightly 100-year-old has been reminiscing over a life well-lived.
‘‘I have had a very happy life,” Bruce said.
Bruce arrived in Ashburton, with his wife Mary, to take up a job with Farming Accounts, part of Farmers Mutual Insurance.
When the opportunity came up to buy the business, he jumped at the chance.
‘‘I bought it and set up my own business which I owned for 30 years.’’
Bruce set up in the Federated Farmers building, before building his own; it is now the Trevor Wilson Centre on Tancred St.
Bruce attributes his long and health life, to being raised by good parents, the journey with his wonderful late wife – whom he was married to for 66 years and raised four children with – a family that caused no issues and good healthy food grown by his own hands.
‘‘I’ve had good staff, I’ve worked hard and the fresh produce from the garden have all helped me along the way,’’ he said.
Bruce said Mary was the inspiration for the garden, and he was the perspiration.
Bruce, also a member and patron of the Ashburton Golf Club, still enjoys nine holes of golf today making him New Zealand’s oldest golfer.
‘‘Golf has been such a big and important part of my life. I have always has fun playing, the playing, trips away and socialising have been wonderful.
“I have made some great friends along the way.”
Bruce said golf was his therapy from work.
‘‘To get out there put the wee white ball down and then coax it along the green was therapy.’’
Bruce is a member of the Ashburton Bridge Club and an avid reader of non fiction works.
Being part of the community has been important to Bruce and he has been actively involved with the Senior Centre, St David’s Church and the Ashburton Combined Friendship Club.
His birthday will be celebrated by about 80 family and friends including his four children, six grand children and four great grandchildren at the weekend.
‘‘I have had a good and happy life surrounded by a good family,’’ Bruce said.
