Bert celebrates big birthday

He lived through WWII, travelled the world, saw the rise and fall of apartheid and at 74 years old, cast his vote in the country’s first democratic elections.

With his magnificent blue eyes sparkling and a coy smile spread across Bert Denman’s face, he admits that with the advent of his 104th birthday, everyone wants to know his secret to longevity.

“Well, that is why it is a secret, isn’t it,” he muses.

“I am blessed every day and for that I thank God. It is a privilege to be alive and well.”

With well-wishes already streaming in for the Rynpark centenarian’s March 22 birthday, his wife Ann jokingly said that her dear husband’s good health is due to her giving him a good dose of bullying and making sure he does the dishes.

“Our marriage is based on companionship and friendship,” she said, placing her hand on his.

“Bert has a wicked sense of humour and I am grateful to be able to celebrate another year with him. Love is complex and difficult to explain, but my love for him is timeless.”

Memories
Speaking about his fondest memories, he says having lived nearly 38 000 days it is difficult to isolate a handful of memories, let alone one.

“Meeting my mother on the day of my birth would probably be on top of the list,” he said, laughing.

“Sadly, I chose to only speak to her two years later.

“I had a very happy childhood. Growing up in Sussex some of my happiest days were spent wearing an overall and working in the mechanical workshop my father managed. I would usually get the most rotten jobs but I loved tinkering on the engines. The five shillings I earned weekly went a long way in funding my obsession with Meccano sets.”

Savouring the memory, Bert says days spent covered in oil and grease formed the building blocks for his future career as an aircraft engineer.

“I would be a mess when I arrived home, dirt and grime from head to toe. I used to believe dirt was a sign of hard work,” he said.

“In hindsight, I should have given my poor mother my wage as an apology for the laundry I created.”

Delving into his historical archives, Bert recalls watching the Hindenburg Airship flying overhead during its passenger cruise of the British Isles.

“I remember hearing the low drone of its engines. It was an impressive sight, a true aeronautical marvel. This was shortly before the May 6, 1937, disaster.”

Elections
For the upcoming elections, Bert urges eligible voters to remain well-informed before heading to the polls.

“Before casting your vote, make sure of the facts. The political party you are voting for must prove themselves worthy of your vote,” said Bert.

“Choosing leaders for our country should be done with your mind not your heart. Your vote should be for the betterment of the country and its people.”

Sharing a loving glance, Bert says if allowed to do it all again then he would.

“Life has been good to me. I have seen things that seemed impossible,” he said.

“I have seen men travel to space and watched as the world teetered on the brink of disaster. I have witnessed brothers go to battle and saw new life spring where there was no hope.

“But with every negative, there have been tons of positives. I can only hope that generations to come have learnt from the past and will live with hope and faith.”

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