Memories and smiles mark 100th birthday milestone

John Henson is surrounded by family, a smile on his face and a view across Picton Harbour to where he once worked as a boat builder.

Celebrating his 100^th birthday at Seaview Home where he now lives, John marked the special milestone surrounded by family and friends.

Daughter Gaylene Donohue arranged the party to which Seaview residents were also invited.

A silver-coloured 100 helium balloon, decorations and a cake shaped in the image of a boat he built, Perseverance, were much admired.

The Havelock born boat builder, who started at 16 years old as an apprentice at Ernie Lane boat builders in Picton also received a birthday card from King Charles and Queen Camilla.

The oldest of five brothers, John lived on a farm near Black Point in the Pelorus Sound and was later brought up in Shakespeare Bay. Picton remains one of his favourite places to be.

“Dad has lived in Blenheim until a year ago when he had to go into care and the only bed was in Seaview, but it’s been such a blessing because he looks out over the harbour where he worked and was brought up.”

“He knows everybody in Picton, he knows both the sounds,” Gaylene says.

“He is well known for running the model trains on the foreshore and ran classes to teach boys how to make model boats.

Sitting next to childhood friend Mike Taylor, John was greeted by a steady stream of visitors all keen to chat with him on his special day.

Mike says he remembers visiting John in Blenheim a couple of years ago.

“He’d just bought a new push bike and was very happy with it,” he says.

‘He’s a remarkable man.”

John was married at 22 years old to wife Gloria who passed 11 years ago.

The couple had four children, two biological and two who they adopted into the family.

“His only son Darryl died three years ago so there is only dad and I,” Gaylene says.

“Dad was good at everything he put his hand to, boat building, gardening, bowls, model boats, orchids and playing the mouth organ.

“He has been a great father,” Gaylene smiles.

As for the man himself, he was delighted with the party but admits turning 100 didn’t feel like a big deal.

“I hope to be around for a while yet.”