Cecil Browning joins the 100 club

A TORQUAY resident has notched up a century of living in style, surrounded by his nearest and dearest.

Cecil “Cec” Browning turned 100 years old on Monday this week, and was the centre of attention by his loved ones for a day of festivities at the Torquay Lions Village on Sunday.

Cec is a veteran of World War II and was born in Coburg.

He worked as a warehouse assistant, before enlisting into the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) in August 1942 and was an able seaman in the Philippines, Dutch New Guinea and Indonesia.

While in the Lingayen Gulf in the Phillipines, Cec suffered from appendicitis. He had surgery onboard and was transferred by hospital ship to Darwin and then by plane to Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital in Victoria.

He was discharged from the RAN in 1946, and said while serving he learnt obedience and cleanliness and met many men who became lifelong friends.

After the war, Cec completed an apprenticeship as a painter and ran his own painting business until his retirement at age 60.

He married to Margaret and the couple had two children. Sadly, Margaret and one of their children have passed away.

Cec played golf into his early 90s and used to watch his grandson play AFL. He now likes to read the newspaper, especially the sports section.

He credits his longevity to a healthy diet, being active and social, and enjoying a VB every night.

Torquay’s newest 100-year-old said he was spoiled rotten on his big day.

“It was so exciting; my throat is going from all the chatting.

“I had a lovely time. The family and friends were all there looking lovely and bright.”

When asked if he had a VB on his special day, Cec was quick to laugh.

“One? I had a couple more than one. I didn’t count them. I think at least three,” he said.

“It was just such a great occasion. I felt very lucky and spoiled.”