Gordon Fechner doesn’t know why he’s lived so long, other than the fact he’s just kept breathing.
His sense of humour together with the youthful twinkle in his eyes suggest this former Springton Primary School boy is pretty chuffed to have reached his 100 birthday.
Last Friday, December 6, the staff at Tanunda Lutheran Home greeted one of their most treasured residents with an abundance of kisses, hugs and an obligatory chorus of Happy Birthday. There were balloons on his door to ensure passers-by knew the man residing in this particular Protea Wing needed some extra attention.
And that’s exactly what happened as family members came knocking and birthday cards were opened, including one from her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Gordon continued his party mood into the evening, attending the Barossa Christmas Parade as part of the Tanunda Lutheran Home’s aptly titled “Celebration of Life” float where their much loved centenarian was honoured in style.
On Sunday, Gordon had his family party at the Gramp Chapel where many gathered to celebrate his special milestone.
A former stock farmer, Gordon grew up in the Springton/Eden Valley area and worked for the Murray Brothers at Rhine Park for “twenty odd years”.
“Then I joined the army and when I came back I worked for the Esau family of Swan Reach. They had land at Swan Reach and Eden Valley. I managed the Eden Valley property, it was not my own, but I worked it like it was mine for another 20 years.”
Gordon points to a photograph of a stone building in Eden Valley’s main street which takes pride of place on the wall of his room.
“I lived there with my wife, for a long, long time. Her name was Amy Betty.”
The couple raised four daughters, including twins and Gordon eventually retired from his farming work after back problems set in.
“Something went wrong and I finished up at the Repat and they said oh….there’s no more work for me! I had spinal trouble.” he said.
“And I’ve been in this bed here now for nearly seven years.”
When asked if there was a secret to his long life, Gordon just smiled.
“I don’t know…I kept out of trouble I suppose!” he laughed.
But truth be known, it’s the love of his family that has kept this much admired father and grandfather of too many grandchildren to remember, in our midst.
“I don’t care what anyone says, I’ve got the perfect family!” Gordon said with pride.
“They look after me - they really are first class.”
It seems he does know the secret.