Oom Gideon ages like fine wine
With a decorated career at Graham Beck to his name, it is fitting this Utrecht stalwart celebrated 90 years of life last Saturday with a glass in hand.
Gideon Booysen has always had a nose for wine.
With a decorated career at Graham Beck to his name, it is fitting this Utrecht stalwart celebrated 90 years of life last Saturday with a glass in hand.
Among friends and family, his birthday was a time of great joy.
This was because Oom Gideon did not only raise a glass to his milestone birthday, but also a shared achievement of 45 years of marriage alongside his beloved wife, Tannie Philly.
“It is unbelievable to celebrate my 90th on the same day as our 45th wedding anniversary,” the couple said.
Although Oom Gideon retired almost 30 years ago, Graham Beck still had three types of wine delivered, just in time for the birthday celebrations.
This is testament to the character of this beloved resident.
Guests at the birthday party spoke fondly of Oom Gideon, calling him a great man who holds the love and respect of all who know him.
“He loved hunting and was big on horse racing. He was a great bowler and very involved with the Lions Club back in the day.”
Oom Gideon and Tannie Philly are believed to be the oldest couple in Utrecht, while he is the eldest living resident of the small town.
The couple met back in the days of Natal Coal.
Despite being neighbours, Oom Gideon and Tannie Philly only spoke two words for almost a decade – shared involvement in the Lions Club and the bowls club brought them together after many years.
Their recipe for a successful marriage is threefold.
“You need consideration, respect and to be fair – that is a hell of a big thing.”
The Newcastle Advertiser wished Oom Gideon well on his birthday, and congratulated he and Tannie Philly on reinforcing the belief that true love really does still exist.
