Cundletown’s George Weiley clearly comes from good stock.
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You cannot guess from looking at him that he has lived a life of 100 years – he is a little hard of hearing and arthritis makes it a little difficult to walk these days, but he still lives at home in the house he built 67 years ago with the help of his brother, Mac. And he only lost his driver’s licence a mere six weeks ago.
His brother Cyril could pass for being in his early 80s although he is 93-years-old.
And their mother lived until she was nearly 103.
Although clearly good genes have something to do with the family’s longevity, George divulged what he thinks his secrets are to a long life.
“I don’t drink or smoke. I get plenty of sleep, plenty of rest, and plenty of good food. And I behave myself,” George says, smiling cheekily.
Family members add they think good old hard work has something to do with it, too.
George grew up on a dairy farm on Oxley Island (his mother was born and grew up on Mitchells Island), enlisted in the armed forces in Grafton with both of his brothers, served in WWII in the South Pacific Campaign at New Guinea, and returned to work as a builder, carpenter and painter.
He met his life, Lyla in 1942 and they married in 1943. The couple had three daughters, Jan (now deceased), Cheryl, and Chris. Lyla passed away five years ago.
His family has now grown to include eight grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, and ‘nearly’ 21 great-great grandchildren.
He celebrated his birthday with lunch on July 24 at Club Taree with close family members, but the party proper was held on Sunday July 23 at Taree Leagues Sports Club with around 60 friends and family members.