John Thorburn, centre, celebrates his 100th birthday on Wednesday at a tea held at the Southview Grand condominium complex with eight of his children.--News Photo
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John Thorburn says the secret to a long happy life is “hard work – but when you tell people that they say ‘oh, no!'”
The Medicine Hat resident was celebrated on Wednesday – the day before his 100th birthday today, Aug. 17 – by friends, relatives and neighbours at the Southview Grand condo complex in Medicine Hat.
Thorburn grew up and lived most his life in Abbey, Sask., where he farmed, drove the school bus in winters and was a RM councilman, as well as raising a family of nine children with his wife, Elda.
The pair retired to Medicine Hat in 2001 and were married for 68 years before Elda passed away six years ago.
A family reunion last month also noted the birthday occasion with 72 family members, including eight of the couple’s children, 19 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren in attendance.
Special plans this week include a large family dinner at the Beefeater.
