Jack Coe, who is believed to be the oldest man in New Zealand, celebrated his 107th birthday on Thursday with his family and staff at a care center in Taupō.
Embed from Getty ImagesMr. Coe was born on May 11, 1916, in a tent in Bulls, a small town in the Rangitikei District of Manawatū-Whanganui. He served in World War II as a heavy artilleryman in New Caledonia, defending an American Air Force base. He later ran a painting and decorating business in Marton, where he lived with his wife Thora and their two children, Peter and Valerie.
Mr. Coe enjoyed fishing and hunting rabbits until he was 100 years old. He also liked to walk into town for a cup of coffee and a biscuit. He moved to Taupō four months ago due to health complications and poor eyesight.
His son Peter said his father had lived a humble and active life. “He was always doing something. He never sat around,” he said.
He is a life member of the Marton RSA and attended the Anzac ceremony at St Johns Wood Care Centre and Village last month.
Embed from Getty ImagesReference：
- New Zealand’s oldest man Jack Coe celebrates 107th birthday | Newshub Lifestyle | 5/11/2023
- NZ’s oldest man celebrates 107th birthday | Newstalk ZB | 5/11/2023
- NZ’s oldest man Jack Coe celebrates 107th birthday | Otago Daily Times Online News | 5/11/2023