Waterfall Gardens resident celebrates 100 years of life
Colin Armitage celebrated his 100th birthday surrounded by friends at Waterfall Gardens Retirement Village.
QUITTING smoking at a young age, and enjoying no more than one glass of whiskey a day, is Colin Armitage’s recipe for longevity.
The Waterfall Gardens Retirement Village resident celebrated his 100th birthday on Friday, May 20.
The centenarian sat comfortably at his wheelchair, dressed up for the occasion, surrounded by friends.
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His highlight of the day was the band that played at his party, as music has always been his first love.
When he asked how it feels to turn 100 years old, he shrugged his shoulders and said, “I don’t feel any different.”
Armitage was born in England on May 20, 1922.
“I was an only child, but my parents got divorced, my father remarried and had a family of three boys and a girl and my mom also remarried,” said Armitage.
After matric, he applied for a position at the offices of the Receiver of Revenue where he worked for about five years. He also worked at African Explosives (AECI) in Umbogintwini on the South Coast where he worked his way up until he retired at the age of 60 after almost 40 years of service. Armitage said that in 1947, he married the love of his life, Betty.
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“We lived in various flats before Betty inherited her parents’ home in Buxton Road, Greenwood Park. We stayed for many years before moving to the home. Unfortunately, my wife passed away about 10 years ago. We were blessed with many years together and had a chance to celebrate our 65th wedding anniversary,” he said.
Speaking about his love for music, Armitage beamed and said his highlight was being in a band for 10 years.
“I was a bass guitarist and played with several well-known music groups. Those were good old days, and we played in various places,” he said.
Colin Chaplin said Armitage has always been a rather quiet and private person, but has nevertheless made his mark in the village.
“He has often being seen visiting our village library and the community centre. I would like to congratulate Colin on achieving this remarkable milestone in life – 100 years of age – and also on achieving the prestigious and official status of being known as a centenarian,” said Chaplin.
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