‘Incredibly happy man’ from Northamptonshire approaches 100th birthday with motto ‘don’t worry too much’
An “incredibly happy man” from Northamptonshire is approaching his 100th birthday, and he has lived by the motto that it is important not to worry too much.
Donald Bird from Long Buckby, called Don by many, will reach his centenary milestone on April 25 and his daughter Ruth Freeborough spoke to the Chronicle & Echo about her wonderful father.
When asked how Don feels to be turning 100 soon, Ruth said: “He’s really up for it actually. He’s an incredibly happy and positive man, and completely at peace with the world.
“Most people don’t want to be here at 100 but he does. As a big fan of cricket, there’s a phrase he uses a lot when he thinks about it and that’s nearly 100 not out. He’s looking forward to seeing old friends and colleagues at his birthday afternoon tea.”
Ruth continued: “He’s very kind and a veteran of World War II, which has stayed with him all these years. He shows old-fashioned respect and chivalry, and female friends warm to him because he is charming, kind and trustworthy.”
Don has travelled a lot in his lifetime, with an interest in watching wildlife which remains a passion even at 99 years old. Although he cannot travel, he continues to watch David Attenborough programmes – as well as taking a keen interest in cricket, tennis, football and rugby and reading The Daily Telegraph page-by-page.
Don has lived in Long Buckby for more than 50 years and remains in his own home with a full-time carer. He is very well settled in the area.
Ruth said: “When my mum was alive and it was time to move branches for my dad to be a bank manager elsewhere, my parents decided to stay as they liked it so much in Long Buckby.
“My dad was born in Derbyshire and joined the RAF when he was 18 as a trainee navigator. He never fought as World War II came to an end thankfully and he went back to working in the bank.”
Don has two daughters, Ruth and Sue, and sadly his wife and their mother died at the age of 54.
“Dad spent a lot of time on his own but found love again, and she’s now she’s his carer,” said Ruth. “He met Karin on a flight between Johannesburg and Cape Town, and they had a long distance relationship.
“She is South African and moved to the UK six years ago as her daughter is here. She moved into our family home and my dad’s so happy.”
When asked what she believes her father thinks is key to living a long and happy life, Ruth concluded: “Stay positive and don’t worry too much – that sums him up. He’s a really positive person and enjoys life.”